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Turkey Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

Turkey Tetrazzini Pasta Bake

This Turkey Tetrazzini Pasta Bake is a warm, comforting casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Featuring tender turkey chunks, sautéed mushrooms, noodles, and a luscious homemade sauce baked to bubbly golden perfection, it’s perfect for post-holiday meals or easy weeknights and appeals to the entire family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped (leftover or rotisserie)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Base

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or cream

Cheeses

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Ingredients: Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large pan, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in some butter until translucent and fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and release their juices.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to form a roux and cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups milk or cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor.
  3. Combine Turkey, Pasta, and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the chopped turkey, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and half (1/2 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well to coat everything evenly.
  4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Use day-old turkey for better texture in the casserole.
  • Slightly undercook pasta since it will finish cooking while baking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and melting properties.
  • Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to amplify the umami flavor.
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to improve slicing and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey, tetrazzini, pasta bake, casserole, leftover turkey, comfort food, creamy pasta, cheesy bake