What is in Turkey Tetrazzini? A Look at This Comforting Pasta Bake

Turkey tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake loaded with turkey, mushrooms, and vegetables. It’s a popular way to use up Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, but this comforting casserole is delicious any time of year. Let’s take a closer look at what ingredients go into this classic American dish.

A Brief History of Turkey Tetrazzini

While turkey tetrazzini is considered an American classic its origins are uncertain. It’s believed to be named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini. One story says it was created for her by a San Francisco chef when she was touring the United States in the early 1900s. Another theory is that it was named in her honor by American cooks and didn’t actually have anything to do with her.

Regardless of its namesake, turkey tetrazzini recipes have been around since at least the 1940s and it became popular as a creative way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. The dish has many variations, but a few key ingredients make it distinctly turkey tetrazzini.

Pasta – Typically Spaghetti

The base of turkey tetrazzini is always some type of pasta. Spaghetti is most commonly used but recipes can also call for linguine rigatoni, or egg noodles. The pasta is usually broken into smaller pieces before cooking so it mixes in better with the sauce.

Turkey

Cooked, diced turkey is the star ingredient in turkey tetrazzini Using up leftover holiday turkey is part of its appeal, but you could also make it with rotisserie chicken Either way, turkey or chicken provides protein and bulk.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms give turkey tetrazzini extra texture and savory flavor. Sliced white or brown mushrooms are commonly used. Canned mushrooms can be used for convenience, but sautéed fresh mushrooms taste best.

Cheese

Cheese makes turkey tetrazzini rich, creamy, and decadent. A combination of cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack gives the best flavor. The cheese is mixed into the sauce and also used as a topping.

Creamy Sauce

A creamy white sauce binds everything together in turkey tetrazzini. It’s usually made with butter, flour, chicken broth, milk or cream, and sometimes sherry or white wine. The sauce coats the pasta and other ingredients with a velvety richness.

Vegetables

Onions, peppers, peas, and pimiento are common turkey tetrazzini vegetables. They add color, texture, nutrients, and more depth of flavor. Some recipes also include celery, broccoli, or spinach.

Herbs and Spices

Garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and other dried herbs season a turkey tetrazzini. Using poultry seasoning blends well with the turkey flavor. Red pepper flakes can also provide a subtle heat.

Toppings

Crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, Parmesan, or almonds on top give turkey tetrazzini an extra layer of texture. Some recipes also call for melting more cheese on top of the casserole before baking.

The Complete Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

While versions vary slightly, a typical turkey tetrazzini recipe includes:

• 8 oz spaghetti, broken into pieces
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine (optional)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 jar pimentos, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup Parmesan
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

The cooked spaghetti, turkey, mushrooms, onions, peas, and pimentos are combined with a creamy sauce made of butter, flour, broth, cream or milk, and cheese. The mixture is put in a casserole dish, topped with breadcrumbs and more cheese, and baked until bubbly.

Variations to Try

There are lots of ways to customize turkey tetrazzini based on your tastes:

• Use broccoli instead of peas
• Add diced celery or red peppers
• Stir in spinach for extra greens
• Use Italian seasoning instead of nutmeg
• Top with crispy fried onions or almonds instead of panko
• Mix in cooked bacon or pancetta
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce
• Swap in different pasta shapes like rotini

Turkey tetrazzini is the perfect blank canvas for getting creative with leftovers and clearing out the fridge. Don’t be afraid to give this classic your own spin.

Tips for Making Turkey Tetrazzini

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making turkey tetrazzini:

• Undercook the pasta slightly since it bakes again in the casserole
• Sauté the mushrooms and onions first for deeper flavor
• Use broth and cream for best texture; milk alone can curdle
• Add cream cheese to make the sauce extra silky and rich
• Let it rest 5-10 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens up
• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for later

With a little planning, turkey tetrazzini can be easily adapted to use up whatever leftovers you have on hand after the holidays. It reheats beautifully, making it the ideal hearty, comforting pasta bake for chillier weather. Give this retro classic a try and you’ll see why it’s stood the test of time.