Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting, and downright delicious way to use up leftover turkey, this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender strands of spaghetti, savory mushrooms, succulent turkey, and a dreamy, velvety sauce, all topped with a bubbly, golden crown of cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a hearty, soul-warming meal for a cozy weeknight, this casserole delivers on every front. It’s classic American comfort food at its finest, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe again and again.

Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe plays its part to create layers of flavor and irresistible texture. From the foundation of perfectly cooked pasta to the cheesy, golden topping, each item is essential to achieve that classic, crowd-pleasing result.

  • Spaghetti pasta (12 ounces): The perfect foundation, spaghetti soaks up the creamy sauce while keeping its bite.
  • Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps create the silky roux for the sauce.
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Balances richness and prevents the butter from burning during sautéing.
  • Onion, finely chopped (1 medium): Brings a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
  • Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the sauce with savory depth.
  • Cremini mushrooms, sliced (8 ounces): Their earthy flavor adds umami and heartiness.
  • All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Forms the roux that thickens the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken or turkey broth (2 cups): Gives the sauce complexity without overpowering the turkey.
  • Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and rounds out the sauce.
  • Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the casserole its signature luxurious texture.
  • Dry white wine (1/2 cup): Lifts and brightens the sauce, adding subtle acidity.
  • Cooked turkey, shredded (3 cups): The star of the show, juicy turkey makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
  • Frozen peas, thawed (1 cup): Pops of color and sweetness that balance the richness.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors to life.
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
  • Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A classic touch that enhances the creaminess.
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup, divided): Adds salty, nutty flavor both in the sauce and on top.
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection.
  • Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The secret to that irresistible crunchy topping.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A fresh, vibrant finish right before serving.

How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven heats, cook your spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. You want the noodles to have a tiny bit of bite, since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t forget to give it a quick toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté everything together until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are golden and fragrant—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. These sautéed veggies will infuse the whole casserole with rich flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies and stir for about a minute. This forms a roux, which is the base for your creamy sauce. Gradually whisk in the broth, milk, cream, and white wine. Keep stirring gently until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which usually takes another 3 to 4 minutes. This creamy, dreamy sauce is what makes a Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe so irresistible!

Step 4: Add the Turkey and Goodies

Stir in the shredded turkey, thawed peas, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently mix until everything is well combined and evenly coated in sauce. The turkey will soak up all those savory flavors while the peas add a pop of color and freshness.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the noodles are completely coated in the creamy mixture. If your skillet isn’t big enough, combine everything in a large mixing bowl. The sauce should cling to every strand, making each bite luscious and flavorful.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella, the remaining Parmesan cheese, and a generous layer of panko breadcrumbs. This trio creates that signature cheesy, crunchy topping everyone loves in a Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. For extra crunch, you can broil it for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Once out of the oven, shower the top with freshly chopped parsley to finish it off with a burst of bright color and flavor.

How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving brings a dash of color and a hint of herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. For even more flavor, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper on top. If you love a little zest, a squeeze of lemon over each serving is simply delightful.

Side Dishes

This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is hearty and filling, but pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides makes the meal even more satisfying. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, some buttered green beans, or roasted broccoli are all wonderful choices. And of course, don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to help scoop up every last bit of creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of the classic casserole, try portioning the mixture into individual ramekins for a dinner party or holiday gathering. You can also use the filling to stuff hollowed-out bell peppers or large portobello mushrooms for a fun twist. These creative presentations turn a comforting Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe into something truly special for your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only get richer as they mingle in the fridge, making it a fantastic meal-prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply let it cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 25 minutes. For individual servings, the microwave works just fine—just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can easily substitute fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce well and can withstand some baking.

What can I use instead of turkey?

If you’re out of turkey or simply want a change, cooked chicken works beautifully. Rotisserie chicken is especially convenient, and the recipe remains just as delicious.

Is there a way to make this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe lighter?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for additional milk or use half-and-half, and opt for part-skim mozzarella. You can also add more veggies like spinach or bell pepper for extra nutrition and color.

Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

What’s the best way to re-crisp the topping?

If the breadcrumb topping softens after storing, just pop the casserole back in a hot oven uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes. Broil for a minute at the end for extra crunch, watching closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that turns leftovers into something crave-worthy, you simply have to try this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s comforting, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a go and discover why this classic has earned a place at so many tables!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A creamy and comforting turkey tetrazzini casserole perfect for using up leftover turkey. This classic American dish combines spaghetti with a rich mushroom and white wine sauce, tender turkey, peas, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces spaghetti pasta

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Cheese and Topping

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until softened and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  5. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken or turkey broth, whole milk, heavy cream, and dry white wine, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add shredded turkey, thawed peas, salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce mixture.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, remaining Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs on top.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • This recipe is excellent for utilizing leftover turkey, especially from Thanksgiving.
  • You may substitute cooked chicken for turkey if preferred.
  • The dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce cheese quantities accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 640 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star