Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe 5 Easy Steps to Try Today

Ever wondered what culinary magic you could create with your leftover Thanksgiving turkey? The answer might surprise you! Beyond the standard sandwiches and soup, there’s a gourmet dish waiting to transform those turkey remnants into something extraordinary.

The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is a perfect blend of comfort food, elegance, and practical cooking. This creamy pasta bake, popularized by Ina Garten, combines tender turkey with a velvety sauce that will have your family requesting seconds before they’ve finished their firsts.

Short on time? Discover our delicious chopped turkey recipes — perfect for quick, wholesome dinners the whole family will love.

Ingredients List

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step toward creating this memorable dish. The combination of savory elements with creamy textures creates a symphony of flavors that elevate leftover turkey to restaurant-quality status.

• 12 ounces of linguine or spaghetti pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (can substitute with additional broth)
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (can substitute with Swiss)
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)

Timing

This Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe requires approximately 30 minutes of preparation time and 35 minutes of baking, totaling just over an hour from start to finish.

Unlike traditional tetrazzini recipes that can take up to 2 hours with complicated sauce-making techniques, this streamlined version cuts the total time by nearly 30% without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these carefully crafted steps to create a tetrazzini that rivals even Ina Garten’s famous version. Each stage builds flavor that culminates in a harmonious, satisfying dish.

Step 1: Prepare Your Base Components

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). It will continue cooking in the oven later.

1. Drain the pasta well, but do not rinse – the starch helps the sauce adhere better.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Place the drained pasta in the prepared baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Mushroom Sauté

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat until fully melted and slightly bubbling. Once it’s bubbling slightly, add the mushrooms and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden brown sear.

1. Give the mushrooms a good stir and let them cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to release their natural juices
2. Mix in the diced onion and sauté until it softens and turns translucent, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Signature Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt fully before continuing.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a blonde roux (the foundation of your sauce).

1. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking without pause to maintain a smooth consistency and avoid clumps.
2. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and white wine, and keep whisking until the mixture is velvety and well blended.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
4. Add the nutmeg, thyme, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese and all of the Gruyère until melted and incorporated.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

This is where the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe transforms from separate components into a cohesive dish ready for baking.

1. Add the cooked turkey, mushroom mixture, and thawed peas to the sauce, gently stirring to combine.
2. Pour this mixture over the pasta in the baking dish, using a spatula to ensure even distribution.
3. Gently toss the pasta to coat with the sauce, being careful not to break the noodles.

Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. Evenly pour this creamy mixture over the casserole, ensuring full coverage across the top.

1. Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the sides are visibly bubbling.
2. If you prefer a crispier golden crust, switch to the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes—but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
3. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
4. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of this dish helps you make informed decisions about how it fits into your meal planning. Each generous serving (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) contains:

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 19g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Calcium: 25% of Daily Value
Iron: 15% of Daily Value

This dish provides an excellent balance of protein from the turkey and calcium from the cheeses, making it not just delicious but nutritionally substantial as well.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

The classic easy turkey tetrazzini recipe can be modified to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing its comforting essence.

For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber and replace the heavy cream with evaporated skim milk. This simple swap reduces the calorie count by approximately 15% while adding 4g of fiber per serving.

Those watching their sodium intake can reduce the Parmesan by half and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the added salt. Incorporating more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli boosts the nutritional profile while adding vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your tetrazzini experience with thoughtfully paired side dishes that complement rather than compete with the main attraction.

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish perfectly. For a more substantial meal, add roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans tossed with a touch of lemon zest and toasted almonds.

When serving guests, consider individual ramekins instead of a large casserole – this creates an elegant presentation and helps control portion sizes. A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio makes an excellent beverage pairing that enhances the creamy flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can stumble when preparing tetrazzini. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to sidestep them:

• Overcooking the pasta: Remember it will continue cooking in the oven. Aim for slightly firmer than al dente when boiling.
• Watery sauce: Turkey naturally releases moisture. Pat it dry before adding to prevent a runny final dish.
• Lumpy sauce: Whisk continuously when adding liquids to your roux, and ensure your milk and broth are at room temperature.
• Bland flavor: Season at multiple stages, not just at the end. Each component should be properly seasoned.
• Burnt topping: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final minutes of baking, as the breadcrumb topping can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe for days after initial preparation.

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking in an airtight container. They’ll maintain peak flavor and texture for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revitalize the sauce that may have thickened during storage.

For make-ahead convenience, assemble the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F until the center reaches 165°F (about 25-30 minutes).

Conclusion

The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Tetrazzini transforms humble leftover turkey into an extraordinary meal that balances creamy indulgence with practical cooking. By following these five straightforward steps, you’ll create a dish that honors Ina Garten’s attention to detail while adding your personal touch.

Have you tried this tetrazzini recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out or any creative variations you discovered! Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your food photos on social media. And if you’re looking for more ways to elevate everyday ingredients, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.