Name: Turkey Tetrazzini recepe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped; 12 oz spaghetti or other long pasta, cooked and drained; 4 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken or turkey broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup sour cream (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese, divided; Salt and black pepper to taste; Cooking spray or oil, for greasing; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkey Tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that freezes well and uses pantry staples. Whether you’re using leftover turkey from a holiday meal or cooked turkey breast from another night, this dish gives it a delicious second life. Plus, it’s versatile, customizable, and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
Spaghetti or other long pasta, cooked and drained
Butter
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Mushrooms, sliced
All-purpose flour
Chicken or turkey broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Sour cream (optional for extra richness)
Parmesan cheese, grated
Mozzarella or Swiss cheese, shredded
Salt and black pepper
Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking dish
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and their moisture has evaporated, about 5–6 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in the cream (and sour cream if using), then add Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped turkey, sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey.
Add peas, spinach, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
Swap spaghetti for fettuccine, linguine, or egg noodles.
Use cream of mushroom soup to simplify the sauce.
Add a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy finish—mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until hot or microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Turkey Tetrazzini freezes well. Assemble (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

FAQs

What is Turkey Tetrazzini?

It’s a creamy, baked pasta casserole made with turkey, mushrooms, and a cheesy sauce. It’s often made with leftovers after Thanksgiving.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, cooked chicken is a perfect substitute and works just as well in this recipe.

What kind of pasta is best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine, fettuccine, or even penne can be used depending on preference.

Can I make Turkey Tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick or dry?

Make sure not to overbake, and add a bit more broth or cream if your sauce seems too thick before baking.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely—peas, mushrooms, spinach, or chopped broccoli are common additions and blend well with the flavors.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake when ready.

Can I use canned soup in place of the cream sauce?

You can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a shortcut version.

What cheeses work best?

Parmesan adds saltiness and depth, while mozzarella or Swiss gives the casserole a gooey, melty top.

Can I add a crunchy topping?

Yes, try a mix of breadcrumbs and melted butter or crushed crackers sprinkled on top before baking.

Conclusion

Turkey Tetrazzini is a delicious and practical way to enjoy leftover turkey in a whole new form. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and golden cheesy topping, this casserole brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a satisfying meal to enjoy all week, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.