Turkey Tetrazzini Mushrooms (Print Version)

Creamy pasta bake featuring tender turkey, sautéed mushrooms, and parmesan breadcrumb topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine

→ Meats

02 - 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

→ Sauce

07 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 3 cups whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
15 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

→ Topping

16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
18 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
19 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a large 3-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft, 3–4 minutes.
04 - Stir in the remaining butter. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
05 - Gradually whisk in milk, broth, and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, 4–5 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until cheese melts completely.
07 - Add cooked turkey, peas (if using), and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
08 - Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
09 - Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
10 - Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Turns that mountain of leftover turkey into something everyone actually fights over for seconds
  • The combination of nutmeg and Parmesan creates this incredibly comforting, cozy flavor profile
  • Everything bakes in one dish so cleanup is almost nonexistent
02 -
  • Undercook your pasta by at least a couple minutes since it absorbs liquid while baking
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent your sauce from breaking or becoming grainy
  • The nutmeg is subtle but essential—don't be tempted to skip it
03 -
  • Grate your own Parmesan from a wedge—it melts so much better than pre-grated
  • Day-old bread makes superior breadcrumbs to fresh