Simple Fruit and Cheese Skewers

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole, a dish that blends tender turkey, hearty pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce into a baked masterpiece. Perfect for using up leftover turkey or for a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Key Information:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Number of servings: 6
• Serving size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg

Ingredients:

• For the casserole:
  • 340g (12 oz) cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
  • 300g (10 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 250g (1 cup) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (1g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (0.5g)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) frozen peas (optional)
• For the topping:
  • 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted

Method of Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Add the dry white wine (if using), salt, pepper, thyme, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the casserole: Stir in the shredded turkey, Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas (if using). Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
8. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Culinary Success:

1. Use leftover turkey: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday turkey, but you can also substitute it with cooked chicken.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking the pasta just until al dente ensures it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
3. Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
4. Enhance the flavor: Adding a splash of dry white wine to the sauce enhances its depth of flavor.
5. Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and baked just before serving. Simply refrigerate it until ready to bake.

FAQs:

1. Can I freeze Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or additional milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
3. Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or rotini, can be used instead of spaghetti.
4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free? Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives, and substitute the cheeses with dairy-free versions.

This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of creamy pasta, tender turkey, and a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Serve it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.