Heartwarming Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe: Barefoot Contessa’s Style

Weeknight dinners demand a delightful pasta bake that combines creamy textures with hearty Barefoot Contessa turkey tetrazzini recipe comfort.

Shredded turkey mingles beautifully with tender mushrooms and al dente noodles in this classic casserole.

Ina Garten’s touch elevates every single bite with rich, decadent flavors.

The golden-brown cheese topping promises a crispy, irresistible finish that makes mouths water instantly.

Aromatic herbs and a velvety sauce create a harmonious blend that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Leftover turkey never tasted so good, making this dish a clever solution for post-holiday meal magic.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with ease and elegance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s Inside Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini

• Turkey: Lean, tender meat that brings hearty flavor and protein to the dish, choose freshly roasted or leftover turkey for best texture.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and umami-packed fungi that add depth and richness, select firm, unblemished white or cremini mushrooms for consistent cooking.

• Butter: Creamy foundation that provides richness and helps develop complex flavors, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Flour: Thickening agent that creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Broth: Liquid base that adds savory depth, choose low-sodium chicken or turkey broth for balanced seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: Silky ingredient that makes sauce luxuriously rich, opt for fresh, high-quality cream.
• Madeira Wine: Sophisticated cooking wine that introduces complex, slightly sweet undertones, select medium-dry variety.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates all other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.

• Linguine: Classic pasta that provides substantial base, select good quality, bronze-cut pasta for better sauce absorption.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that creates golden, crispy crust, choose freshly grated for superior melting.
• Bread Crumbs: Crunchy topping that adds textural contrast, use plain or seasoned based on preference.

Equipment Needed for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms and creating rich flavors.
• Saucepan: Essential for making smooth, creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Key for blending flour and broth without lumps.
• 1-1/2-quart baking dish: Ideal size for layering and baking the tetrazzini.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for dicing turkey and preparing ingredients.

Steps to Make Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven temperature to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect warm environment for this comforting dish. Lightly coat a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

• Mushroom Magic

In a sizzling skillet, transform mushrooms into tender morsels with melted butter. Splash in a hint of Madeira wine, letting it dance and nearly disappear, concentrating the rich flavors.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth. Gradually pour in broth, letting it bubble and thicken. Swirl in heavy cream, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the taste.

• Layered Comfort

Gently fold tender turkey and sautéed mushrooms into the velvety sauce. Create delicious layers in the baking dish, alternating linguine and sauce for maximum flavor distribution.

• Crispy Golden Finish

Sprinkle a delightful mixture of Parmesan and bread crumbs across the top. Dot with small butter pieces to encourage a golden, crispy crust. Bake until the dish is bubbling with excitement and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. For extra crunch, a quick broil will add the perfect finishing touch.

Twist Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini

• Swap out turkey for rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for an easy weeknight dinner twist.
• Fold in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or frozen peas to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color to the dish.
• Replace Madeira with dry sherry, white wine, or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or want to use what's in your pantry.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make this classic recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Ways to Serve Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini

• Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair the turkey tetrazzini with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Create a Wine Pairing: Complement the Madeira-infused meal with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the delicate flavors.
• Garnish for Extra Flair: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the golden-brown casserole.
• Enjoy Family-Style: Bring the hot baking dish directly to the table and serve family-style, letting everyone scoop out their own generous portion of this comforting classic.

Store Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini Like a Pro

• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire tetrazzini up to the baking stage, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This technique lets flavors meld and saves precious cooking time.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the unbaked casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Portion and Protect: Store leftover tetrazzini in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
• Smart Serving Strategy: When meal prepping, divide the tetrazzini into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. These portable portions make meal planning a breeze.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey tetrazzini brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners with its creamy, cheesy pasta layers. Sautéed mushrooms and tender turkey create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 to 3 cups leftover cooked turkey, cut into ¾-inch pieces
• ½ pound (226 grams) mushrooms, thinly sliced
• ½ pound (226 grams) linguine, cooked to al dente
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) butter, divided
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) flour
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Madeira wine
• 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
• salt, to taste
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 1-1/2-quart baking dish with butter, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Mushroom Sauté: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until soft and moisture has evaporated. Deglaze with Madeira wine, reducing liquid completely.
3. Sauce Base: Create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth. Gradually integrate broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
4. Sauce Refinement: Remove from heat and incorporate heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to elevate flavor profile. Gently fold in diced turkey and mushrooms, ensuring uniform distribution.
5. Layering: Construct alternating layers of linguine and sauce-meat mixture in the prepared baking dish, creating two distinct, even strata.
6. Topping Preparation: Combine Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the dish’s surface. Dot with remaining butter to enhance browning and add rich depth.
7. Baking: Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden-brown. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crisp, burnished topping, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.

Notes

• Prevent Mushroom Moisture: Sauté mushrooms quickly to release excess water, ensuring a rich, concentrated flavor without diluting the sauce.
• Roux Perfection: Whisk flour and butter thoroughly for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth, velvety base for the sauce.
• Layer Strategically: Alternate pasta and sauce layers carefully to distribute flavors evenly and prevent dry spots in the tetrazzini.
• Crispy Topping Technique: Watch closely during broiling to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, adding textural contrast to the creamy dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg