Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender turkey, mushrooms, and a rich sherry-infused sauce. Its savory flavor profile and hearty ingredients make it perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and nutty tastes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 4 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cups turkey or chicken stock ⓘ
- 4 egg yolks ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry sherry or wine ⓘ
- 1 pound thin spaghetti
- 6 cups leftover turkey or chicken, cut in 1 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 3/4 cup of butter in a large saucepan.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour, salt, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add 4 cups of milk and stock, bringing to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Boil for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- In a small bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining milk.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of hot mixture into yolks and then pour yolk mixture into saucepan, beating constantly until sauce is hot.
- Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in sherry or wine.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Add cooked spaghetti, turkey, and mushrooms into the sauce and mix well.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. If you don’t have dry sherry, white wine or even chicken broth can work as alternatives. To boost flavor, consider adding garlic or grated Parmesan to the sauce. Leftover turkey from your holiday feast is perfect for this dish; it pairs beautifully with Eclair Cake for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Turkey Tetrazzini hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting finish, consider serving it alongside Cherry Topped Icebox Cake, a delightful dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, stirring frequently. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Tetrazzini contains roughly 3476 calories, with 73g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 327g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (146% of the Daily Value), calcium (129% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (122% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1610mg per serving (70% 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 other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure to cook the pasta according to package instructions to achieve the desired texture.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Turkey Tetrazzini can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the dish?
You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the taste. For extra richness, consider stirring in some cream cheese or sour cream.
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).