Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini
This is a great way to use leftover cooked turkey or chicken. It's also an easy one-dish casserole that everyone in the family enjoys. The recipe started life as a Cooking Light recipe in a recent issue. I made modifications to suit our taste.
This is a great way to use leftover cooked turkey or chicken. It's also an easy one-dish casserole that everyone in the family enjoys. The recipe started life as a Cooking Light recipe in a recent issue. I made modifications to suit our taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup finely chopped celery
- 3/4 cup carrot (i use the pre-cut matchstick carrots)
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup white wine (or sherry)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (divided)
- 4 ounces light cream cheese (low fat)
- 1 package thin spaghetti (cooked)
- 2 cups turkey meat cooked and shredded (or chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (i use panko)
- Carbohydrate 16.1752062134545 g
- Cholesterol 53.6171875021802 mg
- Fat 4.14215339671509 g
- Fiber 1.0587033535622 g
- Protein 17.3296789365237 g
- Saturated Fat 1.94276053149958 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (181g)
- Sodium 88.0729485631473 mg
- Sugar 15.1165028598923 g
- Trans Fat 0.510825672980171 g
- Calories 173 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Melt butter in saute pan.
- Add onion, celery, pepper, salt, carrots, and mushrooms (optional).
- Saute until vegetables are tender.
- Add flour and stir until vegetables are coated.
- Add wine, and stir quickly until flour is absorbed.
- Gradually add broth, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat.
- Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and the Neufchatel cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
- Add the peas, turkey and pasta.
- Stir until blended.
- Coat a casserole with non-stick spray and transfer mixture to the casserole.
- Combine breadcrumbs (or panko) with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350 for 30 minutes until lightly browned.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini: Comfort Food Reimagined
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the general chaos of family life, the last thing I want to spend hours on is preparing an elaborate dinner. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, deliver on flavor. This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is exactly that – a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
I discovered this recipe a few months ago, and it's quickly become a staple in our family's dinner rotation. What initially drew me to it was its versatility. It's the perfect way to use up leftover cooked turkey (or chicken!), minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor. The original recipe was a bit bland for my taste, so I took the liberty of tweaking it, and now it's a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish the whole family loves. The best part? It's a one-dish wonder, which means less clean-up, a huge plus in my book.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal prep work and involves straightforward steps. Even beginners can easily master it.
- Versatility: Use leftover turkey, chicken, or even ground meat as the protein base.
- Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta results in a supremely satisfying dish.
- One-Dish Meal: Less cleanup is always a good thing!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this comforting casserole.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Different Pasta: While thin spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
- Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked later, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Breadcrumbs: Use your favorite breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers, for the topping.
This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini isn't just a weeknight dinner; it's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It's a testament to the fact that delicious and satisfying food doesn't have to be complicated. It's a dish that nourishes both body and soul, and that, my friends, is what makes it a true keeper.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
