There's nothing like a cozy dish of creamy Turkey Tetrazzini to make leftovers feel brand new. This classic comfort food is made completely from scratch with tender turkey, spaghetti, mushrooms, sherry, and a rich, velvety sauce baked until golden and bubbly.
Whether it's the day after Thanksgiving or you just have leftover roast turkey, this easy casserole brings that homemade flavor everyone loves. By the way, this recipe works just as well with a rotisserie chicken to help get you through the long winter.
Why You'll Love This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Turkey Tetrazzini is one of those dinners that feels like a warm hug in a casserole dish. It's creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. Here's why you'll want to make it again and again!
Incredible flavor from scratch - Making the sauce from butter, flour (or cornstarch), chicken stock, and cream gives it rich depth and a velvety texture that canned soups can't match.
Simple ingredients - You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen pantry and fridge.
A delicious way to use leftover turkey - Transform extra roast turkey into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn't taste anything like leftovers!
Customizable - Switch up the pasta, cheese, or veggies. Or even make it gluten-free.
Perfect for holidays or weeknights - This creamy, cheesy baked pasta is just as perfect for post-Thanksgiving leftovers as it is for a cozy Sunday meal.
What Is Turkey Tetrazzini?
Turkey Tetrazzini is a classic American baked pasta dish made with turkey, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. It's typically tossed with spaghetti or linguine, topped with cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. The dish was named after Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini and has been a family-favorite comfort meal since the early 1900s.
Ingredients and Their Part in the Dish
This hearty casserole is packed with simple ingredients that come together for rich flavor and comforting texture.
- Cooked turkey - The star of the show! Juicy, tender, and perfect for leftover recipes.
- Spaghetti - The foundation of the dish.
- Bacon - Adds smoky, salty flavor that deepens the sauce.
- Onion and garlic - Build the savory base for the entire dish.
- Olive oil - Used to sauté the mushrooms and help everything caramelize beautifully.
- Mushrooms - Add earthy flavor and a meaty bite.
- Chicken stock - The flavorful liquid base for the creamy sauce.
- Celery and green bell pepper - Provide freshness, crunch, and color.
- Butter and flour (or cornstarch) - Thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Half and half or heavy cream - Give the sauce its signature velvety texture.
- Sherry - Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg - Seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese - Melts into the sauce for bold, cheesy flavor.
- Parmesan cheese - Finishes the dish with a slightly salty, nutty topping.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini from Scratch
Making this homemade Turkey Tetrazzini casserole is easier than it looks. There are just a few simple steps to comfort-food perfection. Here's what to do:
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and place in a large bowl.
- While pasta is cooking, cook bacon til crisp then remove from the pan.
- Saute onions and garlic in bacon fat. Add to pasta.
- Add olive oil to pan and saute mushrooms for 5-7 minutes. Add to pasta.
- Cook celery & red pepper in chicken stock. Using a slotted spoon, add just the vegetables to pasta. Reserve the stock.
- Add the turkey and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the pasta and vegetables.
- Add sauce when it is done and stir well.
- Melt butter and whisk in flour.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Continue whisking while adding chicken stock and stir constantly until it starts to thicken.
- Stir or whisk in half and half, sherry, seasonings and grated cheddar cheese.
- Stir until smooth.
- Pour the pasta-turkey mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Prior to serving, garnish with chopped parsley.
Recipe Tips for Success
A few easy tips will help your Turkey Tetrazzini turn out creamy and delicious every time.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooked noodles finish perfectly in the oven without getting mushy.
- Use good-quality sherry. It enhances the sauce's flavor without overpowering it.
- Taste as you go. Adjust salt and seasoning before baking for the best balance.
- Let it rest before serving. Give the casserole 5 to 10 minutes to set and thicken slightly before digging in.
Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own
This classic recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these easy twists!
- Chicken Tetrazzini: Swap in cooked chicken instead of turkey.
- More Veggies: Add broccoli, peas, or spinach.
- No Mushrooms: Simply make tetrazzini without mushrooms and use other veggies if desired.
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend for a new flavor.
- Pasta Subs: Use egg noodles, bucatini, linguine, fettuccine, or other long pasta
- Breadcrumb Topping: Mix ¼ cup breadcrumbs with Parmesan and melted butter for a crispy finish.
- Gluten-Free Tetrazzini: Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
What to Serve with Turkey Tetrazzini
This creamy turkey pasta bake is rich and satisfying, so lighter sides pair beautifully. Round out your meal with a few of these tasty options and they'll make dinner feel complete and a little extra special!
Buttery Garlic Bread - Nothing beats a slice of warm garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Try Air Fryer Garlic Bread for a quick and crispy version.
Rolls - Homemade soft dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts - Add a savory veggie side with Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans. The salty-sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta.
Simple Green Salad - A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese - For a comfort-food feast, serve it alongside Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese that's creamy, cozy, and loaded with flavor.
Cranberry Sauce - Add a touch of tart sweetness with a side of Homemade Cranberry Sauce. It's the perfect way to tie this dish back to holiday flavors.
Wine Pairing - The best wines to serve with this creamy dish are dry white wines such as the Viognier or Chardonnay. If reds are more your style, stick with a spicy red such as Chianti.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, wrap well in foil or store in an airtight freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For individual servings, microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals until heated through.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Don't stop with just one turkey recipe! There are so many tasty ways to reinvent those leftovers! From cozy casseroles to easy sandwiches, these dishes will make you look forward to having extra turkey on hand.
- Turkey Enchilada Casserole - Layers of turkey, tortillas, and cheese baked in a flavorful enchilada sauce.
- Turkey Chili - Warm up with a hearty bowl of spicy, smoky chili made with leftover turkey instead of ground meat.
- Turkey Pot Pie - Creamy filling, tender vegetables, and a golden flaky crust.
- Turkey Pastina Soup - A soothing soup filled with pasta, turkey, and vegetables that's perfect for chilly nights.
- Turkey Cranberry Brie Panini - A gourmet-style sandwich that combines sweet, savory, and melty perfection in every bite.
Find even more easy turkey recipes here on 2CM!
Turkey Tetrazzini
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or favorite pasta use a gluten-free pasta if needed
- 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups fresh mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour use cornstarch for a gluten-free version
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 3 Tablespoons sherry
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 3 cups cooked turkey chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Garnish: parsley
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water, drain and place in a large bowl.
- While pasta is cooking, cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Place on paper towel to drain fat.
- Leave the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add to the bowl with pasta.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté mushrooms until tender, about 5-10 minutes. Remove mushrooms and add to pasta.
- Place chicken stock in a large microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl and add celery and pepper. Cook, covered, in microwave at 90 power for 5 minutes. Remove celery and pepper with slotted spoon and add to the bowl with pasta, onions and mushrooms.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and blend in flour, stirring constantly. Add chicken stock and continue stirring until it starts to thicken. Add half and half, sherry, seasonings, and grated cheddar cheese. Add turkey and crumbled bacon.
- Add chopped turkey and crumbled bacon to bowl with pasta and vegetables and stir to mix. Pour sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top . Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
While both are creamy pasta dishes, Tetrazzini includes broth, vegetables, and cheese, giving it a richer, more layered flavor. Alfredo uses only butter, cream, and Parmesan.
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Absolutely! It's an easy shortcut and tastes delicious with the creamy sauce and mushrooms.
The post has been updated with new photos and easier step-by-step directions. It was first published on November 29, 2013.
