Turkey Tetrazzini Mushrooms (Printer-friendly)
A creamy pasta bake with turkey, mushrooms, and a golden cheese crust that's hearty and satisfying.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
→ Turkey & Vegetables
02 - 2 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or diced
03 - 9 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
→ Sauce
07 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups whole milk
10 - 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
11 - 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
15 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
18 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
20 - 2 tbsp melted butter
21 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water and cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onions for 3 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms; sauté until mushrooms soften and moisture evaporates, about 6 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, broth, and wine if using. Simmer and stir until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
05 - Add Parmesan, mozzarella, heavy cream, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth.
06 - Mix cooked turkey and peas if desired into the sauce. Gently fold in the drained pasta.
07 - Pour the combined mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
08 - In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta mixture.
09 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
10 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It transforms plain leftover turkey into something rich and satisfying without much fuss.
- The golden breadcrumb crust adds a textural contrast that makes every bite interesting.
- You can assemble it ahead and bake it when you're ready, which saves your sanity on busy nights.
02 -
- Don't skip the resting time after baking, or the first scoop will be a saucy mess instead of a neat portion.
- Cook the mushrooms until their liquid fully evaporates, otherwise the sauce will be watery and thin.
03 -
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of the pre-grated kind for a sauce that melts smoother and tastes sharper.
- If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash more broth or milk before folding in the pasta.