1poundspaghetticooked to al dente, drained, rinsed, and returned to the pot. See Notes
10tablespoonsunsalted butterdivided
1/2cupdiced onion
4clovesgarlicminced
8ouncesbaby bella mushroomssliced
1teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoonkosher salt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
1/2cupall-purpose flour
2 1/2cupschicken stock
2 1/2cupswhole milkor 2% milk
8ouncescream cheesesoftened and cut into 8 pieces
16ouncesshredded cheddar cheesedivided
4cupsdiced or shredded cooked turkey
1 1/2 cupsfrozen peasunthawed
1cupcrushed butter crackerssuch as Ritz
1/4cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese
3tablespoonschopped flat leaf parsleyoptional, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray, and set dish aside.
To a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, add 8 tablespoons of butter; allow it to melt.Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.Add the mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the flour to the pan and stir it in to coat the veggies. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring once or twice. Slowly and gradually, whisk in the stock, about 1/4 cup at a time, then add all of the milk. Stir to combine. Bring contents to a light boil over high heat, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened. Add the cream cheese and stir occasionally until melted. Add half of the cheddar cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until melted. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the cooked turkey and peas.
Add sauce to the pot of cooked spaghetti and stir thoroughly to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish, top with the remaining cheddar cheese, and set aside.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized bowl in the microwave, or use a small pan on the stovetop. Add crushed crackers and shredded parmesan cheese to melted butter; stir to combine. Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over top of casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve while warm.
Video
Notes
Pasta cooked to al dente means it should have a slight bite to it, but not undercooked or crunchy. (Pasta will finish cooking as the casserole bakes in the oven).
After draining and rinsing spaghetti, return noodles to the cooking pot. Sauce will be combined with them later.
May substitute spaghetti with any long thin pasta, such as spaghettini, angel hair, or fettuccine.