Tetrazzini Shawna
A creamy, savory turkey tetrazzini with mushrooms, olives, and Parmesan, baked to perfection—ideal for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with Italian flair.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cooked turkey, cut into small 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. minced onion
- 1/2 c. dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced pimento ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 12 oz. vermicelli
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix flour and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to prevent clumping, and cook until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Whip in dry sherry until well combined.
- Add cooked turkey, sliced mushrooms, black olives, minced onion, minced pimento, crushed garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley to the sauce.
- Cook vermicelli in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or using half-and-half instead of milk. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a convenient substitute for turkey. Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish pairs well with a fresh Marinated Antipasto Tray as a starter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tetrazzini Shawna hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. For a complete meal, it pairs nicely with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Consider serving alongside crusty garlic bread or a side of Pasta And Vegetables(Escarole, Sausage And Beans) for a hearty touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tetrazzini Shawna contains roughly 1271 calories, with 34g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (101% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 804mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can easily substitute the turkey with cooked chicken or even ham. Just ensure the meat is chopped into similar-sized pieces for even distribution in the dish.
Is there a gluten-free option for the flour and pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular flour in the roux. For the pasta, look for gluten-free vermicelli or other pasta options made from rice or corn to maintain the dish's texture.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Tetrazzini Shawna vegetarian, simply omit the turkey and substitute it with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to enhance the flavor without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).