Description
This Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is a comforting and creamy casserole perfect for using leftover turkey or turkey tenderloins. Tender turkey pieces are combined with a savory mushroom sauce and melted cheeses, slowly cooked to meld flavors and served over spaghetti noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Seasonings
- 1.5 lb turkey tenderloins (fresh or thawed)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 8-12 oz sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Liquids and Dairy
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 oz block cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese or mozzarella
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Season the Turkey: Generously rub the turkey tenderloins with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Turkey: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear turkey tenderloins for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the meat is no longer pink inside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, half and half, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine Turkey and Peas: Return the cooked turkey tenderloins to the skillet and stir in thawed peas and shredded parmesan or mozzarella cheese, mixing everything until evenly coated.
- Cook in Crockpot: Transfer the skillet mixture to a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until flavors are fully developed and turkey is tender.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Serve: Plate the turkey tetrazzini over the cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy this warm, comforting dish.
Notes
- Using fresh turkey tenderloins yields a juicier result, but thawed works well too.
- Searing the turkey locks in moisture and adds extra flavor before slow cooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese for parmesan depending on your cheese preference.
- Ensure the peas are thawed before adding to maintain their texture and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
