Turkey Tetrazzini is a delicious casserole made with turkey, pasta, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays. Tetrazzini can be assembled ahead of time then frozen, making it a convenient meal to have on hand. When you’re ready to eat it, you’ll need to thaw and reheat it properly to restore its texture and flavor.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Tetrazzini
To thaw frozen turkey Tetrazzini, you’ll need to plan ahead and allow enough time for it to fully thaw in the refrigerator. Keep these tips in mind:
- Take the casserole out of the freezer and place it on a tray to catch any drips as it thaws. Put it on a shelf toward the back of the fridge where the temperature is most stable.
- Allow 1 full day to thaw for every 3 pounds of turkey tetrazzini. A 9×13 inch casserole will usually take 2-3 days to fully thaw.
- You can speed up the thawing process by submerging the frozen casserole in a large container of cold water, replacing the water every 30 minutes as it warms up. This may cut the thawing time in half.
- Never thaw frozen foods at room temperature or in hot water, as this promotes bacterial growth.
- Once thawed, the casserole should be cooked immediately and not refrozen.
Reheating Fully Thawed Turkey Tetrazzini
Once your turkey tetrazzini is fully thawed, you can reheat it to restore its texture and flavor. Here are some reheating methods to consider:
Oven
Baking in the oven is the preferred reheating method, as it evenly heats the casserole through without overcooking or drying it out:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes until heated through (165°F internal temperature).
- Check it halfway and stir around the outsides to help distribute heat.
- If needed, uncover and bake 5-10 more minutes to brown the top at the end.
Stovetop
You can also reheat turkey tetrazzini on the stovetop over low heat:
- Heat a skillet or pot over medium-low heat.
- Add the casserole and stir frequently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as it heats, mashing up any portions that separate.
- Cover and continue heating 10-15 minutes until hot all the way through, taking care not to scorch the bottom.
- Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
Microwave
For a quick reheat, the microwave will work in a pinch:
- Portion tetrazzini into microwave-safe dishes.
- Microwave each portion on Medium power in 30 second increments, checking and stirring in between, until heated through (about 2-4 minutes total).
- Take care not to overcook, as the microwave can create hot spots.
- Let rest 2 minutes before eating.
Always check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure turkey tetrazzini reaches safe 165°F when reheated.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It’s easy to make some reheating mistakes that can negatively impact your turkey tetrazzini. Here’s what to avoid:
- Underthawing – Be patient and allow the full thawing time for food safety.
- Overthawing – Don’t thaw at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
- Reheating without stirring – This creates hot spots that burn.
- Reheating too fast – High heat dries out and toughens the casserole.
- Reheating on the stovetop unattended – This risks burning the bottom.
Serving Reheated Turkey Tetrazzini
Once properly reheated, turkey tetrazzini makes the perfect comfort food meal. Here are serving suggestions:
- Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color.
- Add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Pair it with a light white wine or crisp cider.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for more richness.
- Round it out with a fruit salad dessert.
Storage
When storing leftover reheated turkey tetrazzini:
- Let it cool completely, then refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Store in a shallow airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze extras for up to 2-3 months.
- When reheating leftovers, bring to 165°F.
Nutrition Facts
Turkey tetrazzini is a nutritious casserole when made with mostly lean turkey and low-fat ingredients. Here is the approximate nutrition per 1 cup serving:
| Calories | 330 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Protein | 29g |
It provides lean protein from the turkey, complex carbs from the pasta, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The light cream sauce adds flavor without too much saturated fat when made with reduced-fat milk, broth, and cheese.
Recipe Variations
Turkey tetrazzini is very adaptable to different ingredient swaps and additions. Get creative with the recipe by trying variations like:
- Use chicken, ham, or shrimp instead of turkey.
- Swap the mushrooms for zucchini, spinach, or broccoli.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Stir in peas, corn, or peppers for extra color.
- Add sundried tomatoes, artichokes, or olives for flavor.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs before baking for crunch.
- Season with garlic, paprika, cajun spices, or herbs.
The possibilities are endless for giving this classic turkey casserole your own unique twist!
Conclusion
Turkey tetrazzini is a freezer-friendly casserole that just needs a little TLC to come back to life. Thaw it completely in the fridge, then reheat gently and stir often to ensure it warms evenly and retains its delicate texture. Avoid overheating or rushing the process. Serve piping hot on its own or with toasty bread, vegetables, or salad for a well-rounded meal. With proper reheating technique, frozen turkey tetrazzini can regain its status as a crave-worthy comfort food classic. Just be sure to store and reheat leftovers safely.