We’ve always loved diving into comforting classics like Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini, a hearty American favorite that turns leftover turkey into a creamy pasta delight. Originating from early 20th-century diner traditions it’s a crowd-pleaser we turn to for cozy family meals.
This recipe captures the essence of Luby’s signature dish with simple ingredients and easy steps that deliver big on flavor. Whether you’re recreating nostalgic memories or trying it for the first time we’ll guide you through a version that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
We carefully select these ingredients to bring our Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini recipe to life, capturing the creamy, savory essence of this classic American favorite with simple, high-quality components.
For the Tetrazzini
To build the heart of our Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini, we start with these key ingredients. Here’s a detailed list, ordered by how they’re typically incorporated:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded (use leftover roasted turkey for the best flavor and texture, ensuring it’s fully cooled)
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine, uncooked (we recommend a long pasta that holds sauce well; cook al dente as per package instructions)
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button; wash and slice them just before use for maximum freshness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup; dice it small for even cooking and subtle sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly chopped for a pungent, aromatic base that enhances the dish’s depth)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (for a rich, creamy binder; opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake)
- 1 cup chicken broth (use homemade or low-sodium store-bought to control flavors and moisture)
- 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat for that signature velvety consistency; stir in gradually for smoothness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp; grate it fresh for better melt and tang)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, considering the broth and soup’s seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (for a subtle kick that balances the creaminess)
For the Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko for a light crunch; toast them lightly if you prefer extra crispiness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish that complements the creamy base)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (unsalted to control overall saltiness; mix it in to bind the topping)
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini to life, we rely on a selection of essential tools and equipment that streamline the preparation process and ensure even cooking for that creamy, savory texture. Building on the ingredients we’ve outlined, these items help us transform simple components like shredded turkey and pasta into a comforting, golden-baked dish.
Here’s a detailed list of the key tools we need:
- Large Stock Pot: For boiling the uncooked spaghetti or linguine to al dente perfection, ensuring our pasta base absorbs the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- Skillet or Frying Pan (10-12 inches): Ideal for sautéing fresh mushrooms, onion, and garlic in active steps, allowing us to build rich flavors that enhance the dish’s savory essence.
- Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): We use these to combine ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream, making it easy to achieve a smooth, velvety mixture.
- Baking Dish (9×13 inches): Essential for assembling and baking the final dish, where the shredded cheddar cheese melts into a bubbly topping, creating that irresistible golden crust.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of items like salt and black pepper are crucial, so we recommend sturdy sets to maintain precision in our recipe.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables and shredding cooked turkey, these tools ensure efficient, safe handling to keep our workflow smooth.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing without scratching pans, helping us blend the topping components—breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter—for a crunchy finish.
- Oven: A standard kitchen oven set to the right temperature is key for baking, locking in the dish’s comforting aromas and flavors.
- Cheese Grater: If our cheddar cheese isn’t pre-shredded, this tool quickly prepares it, adding to the melted, gooey texture that makes Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini so nostalgic and satisfying.
With these tools in hand, we can confidently execute each step, from boiling pasta to baking the assembled dish, for a seamless cooking experience that highlights the best of this classic recipe.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the straightforward steps to prepare our flavorful Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini. We’ll ensure each phase delivers a creamy, savory dish that evokes nostalgic diner vibes.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, we’ll focus on prepping our ingredients to streamline the process and enhance flavors. Begin by boiling 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti or linguine in a large stock pot with salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; this gives us a perfect base with a slight chew that absorbs the sauce beautifully. Next, finely chop 1 medium onion and 2 cloves of garlic for a pungent aroma, and slice 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms into even pieces to release their earthy juices when sautéed. If our cooked turkey isn’t already shredded, we’ll use a chef’s knife to shred 2 cups of leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it’s tender and ready to mingle with the creamy elements. Finally, grate 1 cup of cheddar cheese and measure out 1 cup of breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan for our crispy topping—these steps set the stage for a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Cooking the Sauce
With our prepped ingredients in hand, we’ll now cook the sauce to create that signature creamy, velvety coating that makes Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini irresistible. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms; sauté for 5 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant, savory scent that fills the kitchen. Stir in one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken it into a rich, golden sauce that clings to every bite. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, tasting as we go to achieve that perfect balance of flavors—our goal is a sauce so luscious it coats the pasta with a warm, comforting embrace.
Assembling the Dish
Now we assemble the dish, layering flavors and textures for a hearty bake that highlights the essence of Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cooked pasta, shredded turkey, and the prepared sauce, tossing gently with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated—imagine the pasta strands glistening with creamy goodness and flecked with savory bits. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking. Top with the grated cheddar cheese and our breadcrumb mixture (1 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 2 tablespoons of melted butter), creating a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior for a satisfying mouthfeel.
Baking
Finally, we bake our assembled dish to meld the flavors and achieve that bubbly, golden finish that defines Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the baking dish on the middle rack, baking for 25-30 minutes until the top is crisp and browned, and the sauce bubbles enticingly around the edges—your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of melted cheese and herbs. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center; it should come out hot, signaling a perfectly heated dish ready to serve with its warm, savory layers intact.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it ahead of time to simplify mealtime without sacrificing that creamy, savory flavor. Below, we outline step-by-step instructions for making components in advance, storing them properly, and finishing the dish when you’re ready.
Preparing Components Ahead
To streamline our cooking process, we recommend prepping certain elements up to 24 hours in advance. Here’s how:
- Cook the Pasta Early: Boil the spaghetti or linguine as described in the preparation section, then drain and toss with a light drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Chop Vegetables in Advance: Dice the onion, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic ahead of time. Place them in separate sealed bags or containers in the fridge to keep them fresh and ready for sautéing.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms as outlined, then add the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream to create the sauce. Let it cool completely before transferring to a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain its rich texture.
- Shred Turkey and Mix Topping: Shred the cooked turkey and store it in the fridge. For the topping, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a bowl, then cover and refrigerate separately.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to preserving the dish’s comforting, golden-baked essence. We suggest the following based on what you’re storing:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooked Pasta | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 1 day | Add a bit of oil to avoid clumping. |
| Chopped Vegetables | Sealed bags or containers in refrigerator | Up to 1 day | Keep away from ethylene-producing items like apples to prevent spoilage. |
| Sauce Base | Sealed container in refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Stir before use to recombine any separation. |
| Shredded Turkey | Airtight container in refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Ensure it’s fully cooled to avoid bacterial growth. |
| Assembled Dish (uncooked) | Covered baking dish in refrigerator | Up to 1 day | Do not add the breadcrumb topping until baking to keep it crisp. |
Reheating and Finishing
When it’s time to enjoy our Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini, we can quickly assemble and bake for fresh results:
- If components were prepped separately, combine the cooked pasta, shredded turkey, and sauce in a mixing bowl, then transfer to the baking dish as per the original instructions.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumb topping just before baking to ensure a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crisped to perfection.
- For frozen dishes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time as needed.
By following these steps, we ensure our Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini remains a flavorful, nostalgic favorite that’s easy to fit into any routine.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve joined us on this journey with Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini
It’s a dish that brings warmth and simplicity to any table
Let’s keep the tradition alive in our kitchens
Try it soon and make it your go-to comfort meal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini?
Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini is a classic American comfort dish that repurposes leftover turkey into a creamy pasta bake. Originating from early 20th-century diner culture, it’s popular for family gatherings due to its savory, nostalgic flavors. This recipe features simple ingredients like pasta, turkey, mushrooms, and cheese, making it accessible for both experienced cooks and beginners.
What ingredients are needed for Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini?
The key ingredients include shredded cooked turkey, uncooked spaghetti or linguine, fresh mushrooms, onion, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. For the topping, use breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Focus on high-quality components for the best creamy texture and flavor.
How do you make Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini?
Start by boiling pasta and prepping ingredients like chopping vegetables and shredding turkey. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms, then add soup, broth, and cream to make the sauce. Mix in pasta and turkey, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly. The whole process takes about 45-60 minutes for a delicious, comforting meal.
Can I make Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components like cooking pasta, chopping vegetables, and making the sauce base in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, assemble and bake for a fresh result. This method keeps flavors intact and makes it easy for busy schedules, ensuring a quick, tasty meal without much hassle.
What tools are required to make Luby’s Turkey Tetrazzini?
You’ll need a large stock pot for pasta, a skillet for sautéing, mixing bowls, a baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, a chef’s knife and cutting board, a wooden spoon or spatula, an oven, and a cheese grater. These basic kitchen tools help streamline preparation and ensure even cooking for this straightforward recipe.