If you’re looking for the ultimate dish to transform holiday leftovers or just want a comforting, creamy pasta bake, this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy turkey, tender noodles, and a luxuriously creamy sauce get baked under a blanket of melty cheese and golden breadcrumbs. The flavors and textures come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a weeknight or you’re entertaining friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is how straightforward yet important each ingredient is—every component adds its own touch, from richness to color to that irresistible bubbly top. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):
- Spaghetti or linguine: Broken in half so each forkful is perfectly tangled with sauce and turkey.
- Unsalted butter: For sautéing the aromatics and forming the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Yellow onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Garlic: For that savory note that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Cremini or white mushrooms: Bring earthiness and texture to balance the richness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to just the right velvety consistency.
- Low-sodium broth: Turkey or chicken broth infuses the sauce with comforting, meaty flavor.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that ultra-creamy, decadent sauce.
- Sour cream: Adds a gentle tang that brightens up the whole dish.
- Cooked turkey: Shredded or diced—perfect for using up leftovers but delicious any time.
- Frozen peas: Little bursts of sweetness and a pop of green for color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish just right.
- Dried thyme: Brings warm, subtle herbal notes.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a dash for classic silky-sauce flavor and aroma.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Savory, nutty cheese goes inside and on top for extra flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth goodness for that gloriously gooey finish.
- Plain breadcrumbs: Toast up perfectly to create a crispy, golden topping.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or softened butter. This ensures easy serving later and guarantees you get every last delicious scoop of Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe out in one piece!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Mushrooms
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent—about 3 minutes. Next, throw in the garlic and mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms lose their liquid and start to brown (about 5 to 6 minutes). These early steps layer in those irresistible savory notes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir so everything gets coated evenly. This helps the flour absorb some butter and prevents lumps. Slowly add your broth, whisking as you go—it’ll start to thicken nicely after a few minutes of simmering. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream next, making the sauce luscious and perfectly rich.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Turkey, and Peas
Add in the diced or shredded turkey, tender pasta, thawed peas, salt, pepper, thyme, and that delicate hit of nutmeg. Mix in half the Parmesan cheese, so the sauce gets extra depth. Stir it all together until evenly combined; the mixture should look creamy and abundant.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the filling into your prepared baking dish and give it a gentle shake to even everything out. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, then the rest of the Parmesan, and finally a layer of breadcrumbs for that classic golden crunch. You’re just moments away from bubbly, cheesy comfort!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Your Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe will bubble up and the topping will toast to a beautiful golden brown. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking—it sets up slightly, making every serving picture-perfect.
How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley (for a pop of color and freshness) or a little extra Parmesan right before serving. A crack of fresh pepper or a few lemon zest curls would add a zippy finish too, if you want an upscale touch.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole loves a simple green salad tossed in sharp vinaigrette or lightly sautéed green beans—something crisp and vibrant to offset the rich main. A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, bake in individual ramekins or mini cocottes for a restaurant-style flair. If you have kids or guests who love cheese, offer extra mozzarella on top or serve with hot sauce on the side for a customizable twist. This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe also looks gorgeous with a scattering of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for added crunch and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe snugly (either in the original dish with foil or in airtight containers) and pop it in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making next-day lunches a real treat.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, so don’t be shy about doubling the batch! Assemble it up to the point of baking, then wrap tightly and freeze. If you’re freezing leftovers, portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go dinners down the line. Use within 2–3 months for best flavor.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, until steaming hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover the dish and reheat in short bursts, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is just as delicious with cooked chicken, making it ideal year-round—even when turkey leftovers aren’t handy.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente since it will soften more as it bakes in the sauce. Rinsing the noodles in cold water stops the cooking process before assembling the casserole.
Can I add vegetables or swap out the peas?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli instead of or in addition to peas. Just avoid veggies that release excess water so the sauce stays creamy.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe, swap the heavy cream for whole or low-fat milk, and use light sour cream. You can also use less cheese and cut back on the breadcrumbs if you want to dial down richness.
What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Try deglazing the skillet with a splash of dry white wine before adding broth, or bump up the herbs—fresh thyme, parsley, or chopped sage all complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe has saved many a weeknight dinner for me, and it shines just as brightly at any potluck or family gathering. It’s worth making from scratch, but it also works wonders with leftovers. Gather your loved ones and dig in—you’re in for something truly delicious and comforting.
Print
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and creamy Turkey Tetrazzini recipe, a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Spaghetti or Linguine:
12 ounces, broken in half, cooked and drained;
Unsalted Butter:
3 tablespoons;
Yellow Onion:
1 small, finely chopped;
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced;
Mushrooms:
8 ounces, sliced;
All-Purpose Flour:
3 tablespoons;
Chicken or Turkey Broth:
2 cups low-sodium;
Heavy Cream:
1 cup;
Sour Cream:
1/2 cup;
Turkey:
3 cups cooked, shredded or diced;
Peas:
1 cup frozen, thawed;
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon;
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon;
Dried Thyme:
1/2 teaspoon;
Ground Nutmeg:
1/4 teaspoon;
Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup grated;
Mozzarella Cheese:
1/2 cup shredded;
Breadcrumbs:
1/4 cup plain
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a skillet. Cook onion until soft, then add garlic and mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms are tender.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle flour over vegetables, then whisk in broth. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cream and sour cream.
- Combine Ingredients: Add turkey, peas, seasonings, and half of Parmesan. Mix in cooked pasta.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey with cooked chicken.
- Enhance sauce with a splash of white wine.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
