Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini

😇🍝 Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini: A Delightful Italian-American Dish 🇮🇹🦃

Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini is a delicious and comforting Italian-American pasta dish that combines tender turkey, delicate angel hair pasta, and a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a delightful way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other occasion. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated cooking time!

📜 History:
Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini, who was known for her extraordinary vocal talent. Legend has it that a chef in San Francisco created this dish in her honor. Over time, it became a popular way to use leftover turkey, especially after Thanksgiving.

🍽️ Components:

• Angel Hair Pasta: Thin pasta strands that cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
• Turkey: Cooked and shredded turkey meat, often leftover from a roast turkey.
• Mushroom Sauce: A creamy sauce made with mushrooms, butter, cream, and sometimes cheese.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Bread Crumbs: For a crispy topping.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for a few minutes until it’s golden brown.

5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it’s melted and well combined.

7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Add the shredded turkey and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce, stirring to combine.

9. Toss the cooked angel hair pasta into the sauce mixture and mix until everything is well coated.

10. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

11. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with a bit of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.

13. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

⏲️ Cooking Time:
Preparation and cooking time for Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini may vary, but it typically takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish, including prep time, cooking the pasta, making the sauce, and baking in the oven.

Enjoy your delicious Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini! 😋🍽️🦃🇮🇹

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 425-450 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 3-4 grams
• Fat: 25-30 grams
• Saturated Fat: 12-15 grams
• Cholesterol: 80-90 mg
• Sodium: 400-500 mg
• Vitamin D: 2-4% DV
• Calcium: 15-20% DV
• Iron: 10-15% DV
• Potassium: 250-300 mg

Note: The values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Health Information:

1. Protein: This dish provides a good amount of protein from the turkey and the Parmesan cheese. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.

2. Carbohydrates: Angel hair pasta contributes to the carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy, but be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your carb intake.

3. Dietary Fiber: While not very high in fiber, the dish does contain some from the pasta and mushrooms. Fiber supports digestion and can help you feel full.

4. Fat: The creamy sauce and cheese contribute to the fat content. It’s important to moderate fat intake for overall heart health.

5. Saturated Fat: Keep an eye on saturated fat, as it can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Using lean turkey and reducing butter and cheese can help lower saturated fat.

6. Cholesterol: Turkey can be a lean source of protein, but it does contain cholesterol. The amount in this dish is moderate.

7. Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the broth and cheese used. High sodium intake can affect blood pressure, so consider low-sodium options if needed.

8. Vitamins and Minerals: This dish provides some calcium, iron, and potassium. Calcium is essential for bone health, iron for oxygen transport in the blood, and potassium for muscle and nerve function.

In summary, Angel Hair Turkey Tetrazzini can be a flavorful and satisfying dish, but it’s important to consume it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie, fat, or sodium intake. You can make it healthier by using lean turkey, whole-grain pasta, and reducing the amount of heavy cream and cheese in the sauce. Adding vegetables like spinach or peas can also boost its nutritional value.