Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Let me introduce you to my all-time comfort food hero: the Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. This baked casserole is everything you crave in a creamy, cozy pasta dish—tender turkey, golden noodles, a dreamy, garlicky sauce, and a blanket of cheesy, toasty topping. It’s an absolute lifesaver when you’re facing a pile of leftover turkey after the holidays, but honestly, it’s so irresistible that you’ll find yourself making it all year long. Whether you’re sharing family dinner or dishing up a hearty weeknight meal, this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and guaranteed seconds every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magical about this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is how just a few reliable pantry and fridge staples come together to build bold flavor and luscious texture. Each ingredient plays a unique role, making every bite savory, creamy, and simply unforgettable.
- Spaghetti or linguine: These noodles are the ideal base, absorbing the sauce without getting mushy—break them in half for easy scooping!
- Cooked turkey breast: The star of the show—either shredded or cubed, it adds substantial protein and turns leftovers into something special.
- Unsalted butter: A foundation for sautéing and adding rich flavor to both vegetables and the sauce.
- Finely chopped onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to balance out creamy elements.
- Sliced mushrooms: Add earthiness and satisfying texture, making the casserole extra hearty.
- Minced garlic: Lends aromatic savoriness that punches up the entire dish.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken our luscious sauce so it hugs every noodle.
- Chicken or turkey broth: Layers in savory notes and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce smooth and creamy without overwhelming richness.
- Heavy cream: Adds true indulgence and body—feel free to use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and nutty—it melts beautifully into the sauce and finishes the topping.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy topper everyone loves in a baked pasta.
- Frozen peas, thawed: A pop of color and sweetness, balancing the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings, bringing all the other flavors to life.
- Dried thyme: Provides a slightly floral, herby note that’s perfect with poultry.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch—it’s a secret ingredient that makes the creamy sauce extra memorable.
- Breadcrumbs: Gives you that golden, crunchy topping, adding a satisfying finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings refreshing color and brightness right before serving.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Pasta
Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing. Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. The trick is to avoid overcooking since the noodles will continue to soften while baking. Once they’re ready, drain them well and set aside—this small step is key for a cohesive, non-soggy casserole later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until everything has softened and the mushrooms are golden and fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing—the onions and mushrooms are building a savory foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just for a minute, until its smell blossoms (be careful not to burn it). Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and mix to coat. Now slowly whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until it thickens—this takes about 5 minutes. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and lovingly grate in that little pinch of nutmeg. Stir in a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese to finish—this is the creamy heart of the Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Turkey, Pasta, and Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cooked pasta, shredded or cubed turkey breast, thawed peas, and the entire batch of warm, savory sauce. Mix until everything is absolutely coated—the sauce should nestle into all the nooks and crannies of the pasta for even flavor in every forkful.
Step 5: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Pour the well-mixed filling into your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, the rest of the Parmesan cheese, and finally the breadcrumbs all over the top. These layers will melt and toast, forming that irresistible golden crust that everyone scrambles for.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a beautifully browned, crisp topping. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set up just enough for picture-perfect servings. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of fresh flavor and vibrant green.
How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A final scattering of freshly chopped parsley adds the right amount of color and a light, herbal note on top of the rich, creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. For extra flair, you could also try a touch of lemon zest or even a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is so comforting, all it really needs is a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance things out. We love serving it with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every bit of creamy sauce left on the plate. A side of simple roasted vegetables also pairs beautifully for extra color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning individual portions into pretty ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or use a big family-style dish for sharing at the table. Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed bell peppers—just bake the stuffed peppers until tender and golden for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, it’ll stay delicious for up to four days. If you’re meal prepping or just looking to get ahead, this recipe holds up remarkably well and reheats beautifully without losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly! Simply assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish (but don’t bake it yet), wrap tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to maintain that lovely, creamy sauce. Alternatively, cover your baking dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until bubbling hot. Either way, you’ll reclaim those fresh-out-of-the-oven vibes with every serving.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe with chicken instead?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken is a perfect substitute for turkey and will be just as tasty. This makes it a great year-round recipe, even when you’re not swimming in Thanksgiving leftovers.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to mix in sautéed spinach, chopped broccoli, or even diced bell peppers along with the peas. Not only does this boost nutrition, but it adds lovely color and freshness to the dish.
Can I use gluten-free pasta and flour?
Yes, gluten-free spaghetti and an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend work great here—just monitor the pasta to ensure it stays firm since some gluten-free brands cook faster.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure your sauce is rich and plentiful, and cover any leftovers tightly before storing. If you notice things getting a bit dry during reheating, stir in a little milk or cream to help restore the creamy consistency.
Is Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce, mild flavors, and cheesy topping win over even picky eaters, and you can easily sneak in extra veggies to suit your family’s tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new weeknight staple or a reliable way to transform leftovers, don’t miss out on this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. Every bite delivers comfort, memories, and a little magic straight from your oven—just the kind of dish to gather everyone around the table. Give it a try and see how fast your casserole dish comes back empty!
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Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This baked pasta casserole is loaded with tender turkey, mushrooms, and peas in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese crust.
Ingredients
Spaghetti or Linguine:
12 ounces,
Cooked Turkey Breast:
3 cups shredded or cubed,
Unsalted Butter:
3 tablespoons,
Onion:
1 small, finely chopped,
Mushrooms:
8 ounces sliced,
Garlic Cloves:
2 minced,
All-Purpose Flour:
3 tablespoons,
Chicken or Turkey Broth:
2 cups,
Whole Milk:
1 cup,
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup,
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup,
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 cup,
Frozen Peas:
1/2 cup thawed,
Salt:
1 teaspoon,
Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon,
Dried Thyme:
1/2 teaspoon,
Nutmeg:
1/4 teaspoon,
Breadcrumbs:
1/4 cup,
Fresh Parsley:
2 tablespoons chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, cook onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Add flour, then slowly whisk in broth, milk, and cream. Season and stir in Parmesan.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss pasta, turkey, peas, and sauce together. Transfer to baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs over the pasta. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can use chicken instead of turkey.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half and less cheese.
- Include sautéed spinach or broccoli for added veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
