Slow-Cooker Turkey Tetrazzini Delight

Looking for a comforting and delicious way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey? This Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner that the whole family will adore! It’s the perfect solution for those post-holiday turkey surpluses, transforming them into a brand-new, satisfying meal.

Thanksgiving is a truly special time to share a wonderful meal with loved ones. After the feast, however, the challenge arises: what to do with all the leftover turkey?

Move beyond the typical turkey sandwich and create this flavorful and hearty Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini! This recipe not only utilizes your leftover turkey but also offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy it.

Before diving in, take a moment to read through the helpful tips about ingredients and the step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos. This will ensure a smooth and successful cooking experience.

For the complete recipe, including ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini

This dish has won me over for so many reasons. Here are the top reasons why I think you will love it too:

1. Simple, wholesome ingredients: Many turkey tetrazzini recipes rely on canned cream of mushroom soup, which can impart an artificial flavor. This recipe uses real heavy cream and cream cheese (feel free to substitute your favorite dairy-free alternatives if needed!), resulting in a richer and more authentic flavor.
2. Fresh or frozen vegetables: I prefer using fresh mushrooms and frozen peas, as we always have frozen peas on hand. However, frozen mushrooms work just as well. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe based on what you have available.
3. One-pot cooking: One-pot meals are a lifesaver for easy cleanup! This recipe simplifies your cooking process, saving you time and effort.
4. No waste: This recipe is perfect for making the most of your turkey leftovers and transforming them into a brand-new, delicious meal! Say goodbye to food waste and hello to a creative and satisfying dish.
5. Freezer-friendly: You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and then freeze it for a future dinner. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping and busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Crockpot Turkey Tetrazzini

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing dish:

• Turkey: Aim for about 2 to 2-1/2 cups of cubed turkey meat. You can use a combination of dark and light meat – whatever you have leftover. If you have less than 2 cups, you may need to reduce the amount of chicken broth to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
• Mushrooms: Baby bella (cremini) mushrooms provide the best flavor, but white mushrooms can also be used as a substitute.
• Onions and Garlic: You’ll need about a half cup of finely chopped yellow onion and two cloves of minced garlic. Adjust the amounts to suit your preferences.
• Chicken Broth: Use homemade chicken stock or canned chicken broth. For a richer flavor, try beef broth. Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter taste.
• Herbs: Dried or fresh thyme, basil, and oregano contribute to the dish’s overall flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use 1-1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning instead of the individual herbs.
• Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are recommended for optimal flavor. Season to taste, adjusting the amount of salt and pepper as needed after the dish is fully cooked.
• Spaghetti: Breaking the spaghetti in half before adding it to the crockpot helps it cook faster.
• Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half will work well. Heavy cream will create a richer dish.
• Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and distribute them evenly throughout the crockpot. This promotes faster and more uniform cooking and ensures that the cream cheese is well-distributed throughout the dish.
• Peas: Fresh or frozen peas can be used. Frozen peas can be added directly from the freezer, as they cook very quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before beginning, make sure all of your ingredients are chopped and ready to go. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything cooks evenly.

1. In your crockpot or slow cooker, combine the turkey meat, mushrooms, onions, garlic, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly submerged. Cover with the crockpot lid.
3. Set the crockpot to HIGH and cook for 2 hours.
4. After 2 hours, add the broken spaghetti and heavy cream. Stir well to submerge as much of the pasta as possible. Some pasta may stick up, which is perfectly fine.
5. Add the cubed cream cheese on top, distributing it throughout the crockpot. This helps it cook evenly. Cover.
6. Reduce the heat to LOW and set the timer for 30 minutes.
7. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and stir the ingredients together. The pasta should be cooked al dente at this stage. If the pasta is not cooked enough to your liking, replace the lid and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the frozen peas, and let the ingredients sit uncovered on LOW for 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through. Turn off the crockpot and serve immediately.

Freezing and Reheating Instructions

This turkey tetrazzini freezes and reheats exceptionally well! This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping and busy weeknights.

To Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. For optimal results, consider using vacuum-sealed bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. Transfer to the refrigerator a day or two before you plan to reheat it.

To Reheat: Place the frozen turkey tetrazzini in an oven-safe baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the dish is warmed through completely. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can either cook, freeze, and reheat the dish as instructed above or store it in the refrigerator for up to two days and then reheat it following the reheating instructions.

What can I use instead of turkey?

This recipe is also fantastic with rotisserie chicken instead of turkey. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have leftover turkey on hand or simply prefer chicken.

Serving Ideas

This crockpot turkey tetrazzini is incredibly delicious when served alongside any of these complementary side dishes:

• Mushroom Marsala
• Garlic Parmesan Knots
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Corn with Basil Lime Butter

Wine Pairings

This dish boasts a rich and creamy texture with abundant umami flavors. To complement these characteristics, pair it with a medium-bodied white wine, such as a sultry Viognier or a lightly oaked Chardonnay. These wines will match the richness of the dish without overpowering it.

Alternatively, you can enjoy this dish with a Gamay or Oregon Pinot Noir, which will complement the umami flavors derived from the mushrooms.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

To make this recipe, you’ll need just a few essential kitchen tools:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is required for this recipe.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the ingredients, ensuring uniform cuts for even cooking.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Looking for more quick and easy dinner inspiration? Try these other delicious recipes:

• Slow Cooker Meatball Soup
• Creamy Pasta with Crispy Mushrooms
• Easy One Pot Lasagna Soup
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

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