Are you craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Turkey Tetrazzini with Cream of Mushroom Soup! This recipe takes a classic comfort food and gives it a quick and easy makeover, perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner. Forget complicated recipes; this one is all about simple steps and big flavor. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, making it a truly economical and delicious choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked turkey, diced (leftover turkey works perfectly!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 10.75 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sherry (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Combine everything: Gently fold in the cooked turkey and egg noodles. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake to perfection: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and enjoy: Let the Turkey Tetrazzini rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is wonderful served hot, and it's even better the next day!
Tips for the Best Turkey Tetrazzini:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, but aim for slightly al dente, as they'll continue to cook in the oven.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme on hand, use about 1 tablespoon – it will have a more intense flavor than the dried variety.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as peas, carrots, or broccoli florets. Add them along with the mushrooms.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to this dish.
Variations:
- Chicken Tetrazzini: Substitute cooked chicken for the turkey.
- Creamy Tomato Tetrazzini: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of tomato soup for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Tetrazzini: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to serve a comforting and flavorful meal. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking with this classic recipe!