Ultimate Cheesy Turkey Tetrazzini: A Decadent Comfort Food Casserole with Garlic Buttercrumb Topping

There’s nothing quite like a truly satisfying comfort meal, is there? And when it comes to heartwarming dishes, few can compare to a rich, creamy casserole featuring tender turkey (or chicken) and pasta, generously enveloped in a luscious sauce. This particular recipe elevates the classic, delivering a casserole that is deeply flavorful, wonderfully rich, incredibly creamy, and utterly delicious. Prepare to fall in love with this truly AMAZING Cheesy Italian Turkey Tetrazzini with Garlic Buttercrumb Topping – it’s the ultimate comfort food experience!

For many, the definition of comfort food invariably includes cheese and a delightful crunch, and this recipe delivers on both fronts. We’ve taken the traditional tetrazzini and added an extra layer of irresistible flavor by topping it with a generous blend of sharp cheddar and savory Parmesan cheese. Yes, these two cheeses harmonize beautifully, creating a complex and inviting cheesy blanket. To finish it off, a golden, garlic-infused buttered panko breadcrumb topping provides an exquisite crisp texture that makes every bite of this turkey tetrazzini absolutely irresistible. Each time I prepare this beloved dish, I strive to make it even better than the last, and this enhanced version is, without a doubt, the most captivating yet!

What Exactly Is Turkey Tetrazzini? Unveiling a Beloved American Classic

Given its rather melodic name, one might assume Tetrazzini hails from the culinary heartland of Italy. However, most Italians would likely be puzzled if you mentioned “Tetrazzini” in a cooking context. That’s because, despite its moniker, this popular dish is not Italian in origin! Turkey (or chicken) Tetrazzini is, in fact, an American invention. Its story dates back to the early 1900s, where it was first crafted by a talented chef in San Francisco at the prestigious Palace Hotel. This savory creation was prepared specifically to honor the renowned Italian opera singer, Luisa Tetrazzini, who was a frequent and celebrated guest at the hotel. It quickly gained immense popularity and has since secured its place as a cherished family favorite across American dinner tables.

At its core, Tetrazzini is a hearty casserole dish typically composed of diced or shredded poultry, usually turkey or chicken, combined with a variety of pasta (linguine or spaghetti are traditionally favored, but other shapes like farfalle work wonderfully), and an abundance of savory mushrooms. All these components are then coated in a rich, creamy, and often cheesy sauce, making it a truly satisfying meal. Historically, it’s often garnished with fresh parsley, adding a touch of color and freshness to the comforting creaminess.

Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, this creamy, cheesy turkey tetrazzini stands out for its incredible versatility! This is a recipe designed for customization to suit any palate or pantry. Not a fan of peas? Feel free to omit them entirely. If you adore mushrooms, don’t hesitate to add more than the specified amount for an earthier flavor. Prefer a different cheese? While Parmesan is classic, Pecorino Romano offers a sharper alternative, or you could experiment with Gruyère for a nutty, complex note – absolutely delightful! This adaptability extends to other vegetables as well; consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or even blanched broccoli florets. The poultry can be swapped for chicken, and the sauce can be adjusted to your desired richness. This flexibility ensures that you can create a unique casserole that perfectly matches your family’s preferences every time.

This particular recipe emphasizes making everything from scratch, a personal philosophy for nearly all my culinary endeavors. The difference in flavor between a homemade sauce and one relying on canned or pre-made ingredients is simply colossal. Furthermore, I strongly dislike the taste of preservatives in my food, preferring fresh, wholesome ingredients. I can confidently promise you that despite its rich flavor profile, this recipe is remarkably easy to follow and uncomplicated to prepare, making it accessible even for novice cooks seeking a show-stopping meal.

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Ready to create this incredible dish? Let’s get into the kitchen and make some Turkey Tetrazzini!

Preparing the Flavorful Base

First, gently sauté the chopped onions.

Begin by melting a generous amount of butter in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until they soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavors of your tetrazzini sauce.

Next, add the celery and minced garlic.

Once the onions are soft, introduce the chopped celery and minced garlic to the pan. Continue to sauté these aromatics for another five minutes, stirring frequently. The garlic will become fragrant, and the celery will begin to soften, contributing a subtle savory depth to the mixture.

Ensure everything is mixed well as it cooks.

Stir the vegetables continuously to ensure even cooking and to prevent the garlic from burning, which can turn bitter. A good mix ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Preparing the Pasta and Mushrooms

Concurrently, bring a tall pot of water to a rolling boil for the pasta.

While your vegetables are cooking, it’s a good time to start the water for your pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a vigorous boil. This ensures the pasta cooks quickly and evenly, preventing it from clumping together.

Add the sliced crimini mushrooms to the frying pan and sauté them for several minutes, mixing well.

Introduce the sliced crimini mushrooms to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Cook them until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly, developing a deeper, richer flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t steam.

Remove all sautéed ingredients from the pan, leaving any residual liquid. This mixture will be returned later.

Carefully scoop out the sautéed onion, celery, garlic, and mushroom mixture from the pan and set it aside in a bowl. It’s perfectly fine to leave behind any flavorful liquid or browned bits in the pan, as these will be used to deglaze and form the base of the creamy sauce. This separation allows the sauce to develop its smooth consistency without interference from the solids.

Deglaze the pan with cooking sherry, cooking for a few minutes. Do not allow it to completely evaporate, as it significantly enhances the entire flavor of the dish.

Pour the cooking sherry into the hot pan, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (fond). This process, known as deglazing, infuses the liquid with intense flavor. Allow the sherry to simmer for a couple of minutes; you want to reduce it slightly but not let it evaporate entirely, as its unique notes are vital for the dish’s depth.

Building the Creamy Sauce

Add flour and stir; it will be very lumpy initially, but not for long!

Sprinkle the flour over the liquid in the pan and stir vigorously with a whisk. It will form a thick, lumpy paste, which is completely normal. Cook this roux for about one minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste.

Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly until the flour is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.

Pour in the chicken broth slowly, whisking continuously to incorporate the flour mixture smoothly. Keep whisking until all lumps are gone and the sauce begins to thicken to a light gravy consistency. This smooth base is essential for a creamy tetrazzini.

Next, pour in the heavy cream (or whole milk if you prefer a lighter sauce).

Add the heavy cream to the thickened broth mixture, whisking gently to combine. This introduces a rich, velvety texture to the sauce. If you prefer a slightly lighter version, whole milk can be used, though it will yield a less decadent result.

Fold in the sour cream for an added layer of tanginess and creaminess.

Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully integrated into the sauce. Sour cream not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients, preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy.

Now, add the seasonings: thyme, dried parsley, paprika, and Italian Seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, thyme, paprika, dried parsley flakes, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices are carefully chosen to complement the turkey and the creamy sauce, adding aromatic depth and a touch of warmth. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Whisk everything nicely together until smooth and well combined.

Give the sauce a final whisk to ensure all the spices are fully incorporated and the sauce is perfectly smooth. This is your luxurious, scratch-made tetrazzini sauce, ready to embrace the other ingredients.

Incorporate the chopped pimentos for a burst of color and a mild, sweet flavor.

Stir in the drained, chopped pimentos. Their vibrant red color and subtly sweet, tangy flavor add another layer of complexity and visual appeal to the casserole. They are a delightful surprise in every spoonful.

Add the chopped carrots, contributing sweetness and texture.

Stir in the finely chopped carrots. These not only add a touch of natural sweetness and bright orange color but also provide a pleasant texture contrast to the creamy sauce. Make sure they are evenly distributed.

Finally, add the frozen peas, a classic tetrazzini ingredient for freshness and color.

Toss in the frozen peas. Their vibrant green color and tender texture are a delightful addition, offering a burst of freshness. The heat from the sauce will gently cook them through, so there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.

Blend everything together gently until well combined, creating a harmonious mixture.

Give all the ingredients in the pan a good, gentle stir. You want everything to be thoroughly mixed so that each spoonful of tetrazzini contains a little bit of every delicious component, from the creamy sauce to the colorful vegetables.

Assembling the Tetrazzini Casserole

Add the chopped or shredded turkey, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Now it’s time to add the star of the show: the pre-cooked, chopped or shredded turkey. Whether you’re using holiday leftovers or freshly cooked turkey breast, ensure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces. Fold it gently into the creamy sauce, making sure every piece is coated in the delicious mixture.

Return the reserved mushroom mixture back into the pan.

Remember that sautéed mushroom, onion, and celery mixture you set aside earlier? It’s time to reintroduce it to the pan. Add it in and gently incorporate it with the turkey and sauce, ensuring all these incredible flavors are thoroughly combined.

Stir everything together thoroughly, creating a cohesive and flavorful filling.

Give the entire mixture a final, thorough stir. Ensure the turkey, vegetables, mushrooms, and rich, creamy sauce are perfectly mingled. This is the heart of your tetrazzini casserole, bursting with incredible taste and texture.

Cook the pasta in the boiling water for only about 5 minutes; it will continue to cook in the oven.

Add your chosen pasta (linguine or spaghetti work beautifully) to the vigorously boiling, salted water. Cook it for approximately 5 minutes – you want it to be very al dente, almost undercooked, as it will absorb more liquid and finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Add the partially cooked pasta to the entire mixture in the pan.

Drain the al dente pasta and immediately add it to the large pan with the turkey and creamy sauce mixture. Gently fold the pasta in, ensuring every strand is coated in the rich sauce. This prepares the casserole for its final bake.

Transfer everything to a prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.

Lightly coat a large casserole or baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully pour the entire turkey tetrazzini mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent cooking and heating.

Generously sprinkle with finely shredded cheddar cheese.

Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This layer will melt into a gooey, flavorful crust, adding a significant cheesy boost to the dish.

Follow with a sprinkle of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese.

Top the cheddar layer with a fine dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the richness of the cheddar and the creamy sauce, creating a sophisticated cheesy topping.

Prepare the irresistible Garlic Buttercrumb Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the breadcrumbs are thoroughly coated. This mixture will become a golden, crunchy layer when baked, adding a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of garlic flavor.

Sprinkle the prepared buttercrumb topping generously over the layers of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.

Evenly spread the garlic buttercrumb mixture over the cheesy topping. This final layer is what gives our tetrazzini its signature golden crust and irresistible crunch. Now, your magnificent casserole is ready for the oven!

Bake your Amazing Cheesy Italian Turkey Tetrazzini!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake the casserole for approximately 45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the buttercrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. For an extra golden and crunchy crust, you can turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

ENJOY this wonderful casserole!

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes for easier, neater portions. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley, if desired, for a final touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and savor every comforting, cheesy, and crunchy bite!

More Delicious Turkey Recipes to Enjoy

If you enjoyed this fantastic turkey tetrazzini, you might also love these other turkey-focused recipes:

State Fair Blue Ribbon Grilled Turkey Breasts

Italian Turkey Meatballs

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