Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini

Are you in the mood for a comforting and creamy dish that warmens both the stomach and the soul? Look no further than Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini! This classic casserole showcases tender pasta combined with savory turkey or chicken, enveloped in a rich and velvety sauce, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and breadcrumbs for that perfect crunchy finish. Imagine digging into a bowl of this deliciousness on a chilly evening, where every bite takes you to a cozy, comforting place.

Did you know that the origin of Tetrazzini goes back to the early 1900s? It was named after the famous Italian singer Luisa Tetrazzini, and it has delighted families for generations ever since. In fact, its insistence on richness and flavor makes it a fantastic option for any family gathering. Much like my popular Cheesy Vegetable Casserole, this dish is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful dish!

What is Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini?

So, what exactly is Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini? Well, first off, it’s a scrumptious pasta dish that you won’t forget anytime soon! With its origins wrapped up in a bit of culinary history, it raises more questions than answers. Is it Italian? American? The truth is, nobody seems to know for sure! But one thing is certain: like they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish will certainly tug at those heartstrings. So, why not gather your loved ones around and whip up this delicious recipe to see for yourself?

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini

This Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini stands out as a main dish for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it’s a meal in a bowl that combines satisfying pasta with tender turkey or chicken, all cloaked in that luscious sauce we all adore. Second, cooking at home doesn’t just save money; it allows you to add your unique twist, customizing flavors and ingredients to fit your family’s taste buds. And let’s not forget about the toppings! Whether you prefer a sprinkle of fresh herbs or that delightful crispy cheese topping, you get to make it your own. Comparatively speaking, this dish is a bit like a warm hug on a plate, and who wouldn’t want that? So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini

Quick Overview

This Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini is not only delicious but is also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes and cooking time of around 30 minutes, you’ll be enjoying this creamy delight in no time! The beautiful blend of cozy textures, creamy sauce, and tender turkey or chicken combined with pasta makes for one satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini

To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz. uncooked spaghetti: Any pasta can work, but spaghetti is classic.
• 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, shredded: Perfect for using up leftover poultry.
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms: Fresh or canned work well!
• 1 small onion, chopped: For that savory base.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Because more flavor is always better.
• 1 cup of heavy cream: This is what makes it creamy and luscious.
• 1 cup of chicken broth: Low sodium is preferred!
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar): For that essential, melty topping.
• ½ cup of breadcrumbs: Adds a nice crunchy texture.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil: For cooking your veggies.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water, and add in the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Combine the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well. Add your cooked turkey or chicken, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix with Pasta: Combine the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything until evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour your mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle cheese over the top, followed by breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
9. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking for a healthier twist, opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. You can also swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like cashew cream or even Greek yogurt.
• Timing Matters: Make sure to not overcook your pasta when boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Avoiding Mistakes: The biggest mistake is rushing the sauce—let it simmer 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days in an airtight container. If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For the best reheating results, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, allowing those flavors to meld back together beautifully. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can lead to a dry texture.

So there you have it! A rich and creamy comfort dish perfect for any family gathering. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Give this Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini a try, and watch as your loved ones keep coming back for more!

Creamy Turkey or Chicken Tetrazzini

A comforting and creamy casserole with tender pasta, savory turkey or chicken in a rich sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked spaghetti Any pasta can work, but spaghetti is classic.
• 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, shredded Perfect for using up leftover poultry.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms Fresh or canned work well.
• 1 small onion, chopped For that savory base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Because more flavor is always better.
• 1 cup heavy cream This is what makes it creamy and luscious.
• 1 cup chicken broth Low sodium is preferred.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) For that essential, melty topping.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs Adds a nice crunchy texture.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking your veggies.
• Salt and pepper to taste Essential seasoning.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, boil water and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine and Bake

1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well. Add your cooked turkey or chicken, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Combine the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything until evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle cheese over the top, followed by breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
5. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Ingredient substitutions include whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and lighter alternatives to heavy cream like cashew cream or Greek yogurt. Ensure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes for the best flavor.