Tetrazzini
Turn a pound of leftover turkey into a creamy, cheesy Tetrazzini with mushrooms and parmesan. Easy to bake and great for cold days.
Submitted by: Michael Mowle from Rochester Hills, Michigan
Yield: 4-6 servings
- Uses 1 pound leftover turkey or cooked chicken combined with spaghetti, mushrooms, and a rich milk-based sauce.
- Anchovy paste adds savory depth; temper the egg and half and half to avoid curdling when adding to hot sauce.
- Assemble, top with Parmesan, bake 20 minutes at 350°F, then rest 10 minutes before serving.
Preparation Instructions:
More About This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tetrazzini?
Tetrazzini is a baked pasta casserole with a creamy sauce, meat, mushrooms, and cheese. This version uses leftover turkey or chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, a white wine sauté, and a milk and egg enriched sauce topped with Parmesan.
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes. The recipe was designed for about 1 pound of diced cooked turkey, but cooked chicken works the same. Add the poultry near the end so it warms through without drying.
How do I stop the egg from curdling when I add it to the hot sauce?
Temper the egg. Whisk the egg and half and half, then slowly add a small amount of the hot sauce or broth to the egg mixture while whisking. Once warmed, pour the egg mixture back into the pot and stir constantly over moderate heat until the sauce thickens.
Can I omit the anchovy paste or use a substitute?
Yes. Anchovy paste gives a subtle savory boost. If you do not want anchovy, use a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire, or an extra spoon of concentrated chicken bouillon to replace the umami.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes. Swap the spaghetti for a gluten free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten free flour blend or use cornstarch (about half the amount by weight) to thicken the sauce. Cook times may vary slightly.
Can I make this ahead or freeze it?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How should I reheat leftovers?
For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 15 to 25 minutes. You can microwave single servings; add a splash of milk and cover to keep the sauce creamy.
What can I use instead of Sauterne or white cooking wine?
Use any dry white wine or substitute equal parts low-sodium chicken broth with a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar for brightness.
What is Tetrazzini?
Tetrazzini is a baked pasta casserole with a creamy sauce, meat, mushrooms, and cheese. This version uses leftover turkey or chicken, spaghetti, mushrooms, a white wine sauté, and a milk and egg enriched sauce topped with Parmesan.
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes. The recipe was designed for about 1 pound of diced cooked turkey, but cooked chicken works the same. Add the poultry near the end so it warms through without drying.
How do I stop the egg from curdling when I add it to the hot sauce?
Temper the egg. Whisk the egg and half and half, then slowly add a small amount of the hot sauce or broth to the egg mixture while whisking. Once warmed, pour the egg mixture back into the pot and stir constantly over moderate heat until the sauce thickens.
Can I omit the anchovy paste or use a substitute?
Yes. Anchovy paste gives a subtle savory boost. If you do not want anchovy, use a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire, or an extra spoon of concentrated chicken bouillon to replace the umami.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes. Swap the spaghetti for a gluten free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten free flour blend or use cornstarch (about half the amount by weight) to thicken the sauce. Cook times may vary slightly.
Can I make this ahead or freeze it?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How should I reheat leftovers?
For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 15 to 25 minutes. You can microwave single servings; add a splash of milk and cover to keep the sauce creamy.
What can I use instead of Sauterne or white cooking wine?
Use any dry white wine or substitute equal parts low-sodium chicken broth with a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar for brightness.
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