Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
If comfort could be served in a casserole dish, this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe would be it! Creamy sauce, tender turkey, golden cheese, and a hint of crispy breadcrumbs come together for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that revives leftover turkey in the most delicious way. Whether you’re wrangling leftovers after a holiday or just craving nostalgic flavors, this creamy pasta bake brings warmth, satisfaction, and a generous helping of flavor to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of accessible ingredients for this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe, and each one serves a tasty purpose—building flavor, adding texture, or dialing up the color and appeal. Gather these essentials for a smooth, crowd-pleasing prep.
- Spaghetti or Linguine (12 ounces): Classic long pasta strands soak up the creamy sauce and bake beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a rich, savory base for sautéing onions and mushrooms.
- Small Onion, Finely Chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic, Minced (2 cloves): Delivers a robust, aromatic foundation.
- Sliced Mushrooms (8 ounces): Earthy and hearty, mushrooms give the casserole its signature savory flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- Chicken or Turkey Broth (2 cups): Infuses the sauce with meaty flavor and keeps it luscious.
- Whole Milk (1 cup): Helps create a velvety, smooth sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness for a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Cooked Turkey, Shredded or Chopped (2 cups): The star protein—use leftovers or fresh roast, either works!
- Frozen Peas (1 cup): Sweet pops of color and freshness brighten every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the flavors throughout the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a subtle kick of warmth.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A herby, aromatic boost that complements the turkey.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings salty, nutty notes and helps form a bubbly top.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Melts for that dreamy, stretchy, cheesy layer.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional): For a satisfyingly crisp, golden finish.
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Adds a final burst of color and freshness as garnish.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your spaghetti or linguine in a large pot of salted water until just al dente. Don’t overcook—remember, the pasta will get another round in the oven! Drain and set aside, giving the pasta a light toss with a little oil if you like to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a roomy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes until softened and translucent. Next, toss in the garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for five to six minutes, stirring often, until the mushrooms are golden and have released most of their liquid. The scent at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute. This cooks off the raw flour taste and preps your sauce for thickness. Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey broth, then add the milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for a few minutes until thickened. You want a consistency that easily coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine Turkey, Pasta, and Peas
Stir in the cooked turkey, frozen peas, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and the peas are bright green. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat every strand with that rich, savory sauce—it should look luscious and inviting at this point.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the saucy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) cheeses evenly over the top. Add breadcrumbs if you’re craving a crispy, rustic topping. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe rest for a few minutes. This helps everything set and makes serving easier. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch before you dish it up.
How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish makes everything feel special! Top each serving of Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe with a shower of chopped parsley for brightness, a little extra Parmesan for bold flavor, or even a grind of fresh black pepper for a gourmet flair. Lemon zest or a drizzle of good olive oil can add a modern, fresh twist that looks and tastes amazing.
Side Dishes
This rich, homey bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, roasted or steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread. For a heartier spread, serve with roasted root veggies or lightly buttered green beans to keep things colorful and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a bistro-style experience. For family style, present the casserole straight from the oven in its golden, bubbly glory, or create pasta nests on each plate and spoon the creamy sauce right over the top. Personalize with fresh herbs or a fun cheese blend to make it your own every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe makes fantastic next-day lunches! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to cool completely before refrigerating to keep the flavors fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for a couple of minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating if the sauce looks thick—it helps revive that silky texture!
FAQs
What’s the origin of the Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe?
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe originated in the early 1900s and was inspired by the Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini. The dish became a classic way to transform leftover turkey into a creamy, comforting bake that has stood the test of time in American home cooking.
Can I make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe with chicken instead?
Absolutely! Chicken is a great substitute for turkey in this recipe. Use cooked, shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken to keep things simple. You can even mix in leftover ham for an extra savory twist.
Can I use different noodles?
Definitely. While spaghetti or linguine is traditional, feel free to use any long pasta or even short shapes like penne or fusilli. This recipe is flexible—choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand!
How can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese. You can also opt for whole wheat pasta and load up on extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition and freshness.
Is it possible to make this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe has remained a beloved classic in so many kitchens. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with comfort—and a brilliant solution for holiday leftovers. If you’re craving a cozy meal that brings family together, give this recipe a try. You’ll find yourself returning to it all year long!
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Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe, a creamy and flavorful pasta bake that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or chicken. With a savory mushroom sauce, tender turkey, and a cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Additional:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, mushrooms. Stir in flour, whisk in broth, milk, and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine ingredients: Add turkey, peas, salt, pepper, thyme to the sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with cheeses and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Great use for leftover turkey or chicken.
- Can use half-and-half and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
