Description
Discover a creamy and comforting Turkey Tetrazzini casserole made with smoked turkey bacon and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This easy-to-make dish combines tender shredded turkey, a rich and flavorful creamy sauce, and pasta baked to golden perfection. Ideal for cozy evenings or special family dinners, it offers a warm, cheesy, and savory meal with simple ingredients and customizable options.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded smoked turkey
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-size pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-size pieces, chop the onion and garlic, clean and slice mushrooms, and shred the cooked smoked turkey if not already shredded.
- Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and browned. Remove the bacon and keep the drippings in the pan. Add chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without letting it brown. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the sautéed vegetables and smoked turkey bacon to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in shredded smoked turkey and the cooked pasta, mixing gently so everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Bake with Cheese Topping: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) liberally on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden around the edges.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it al dente since it will soften further during baking.
- Whisk the roux and sauce carefully to prevent lumps and achieve a silky sauce consistency.
- Day-old cooked smoked turkey works well and enhances the flavor.
- Do not skimp on the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for a perfect golden crust.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Turkey Tetrazzini, creamy turkey casserole, smoked turkey bacon, pasta casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked pasta, cheesy casserole