If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic that brings warmth and richness to your dinner table, this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe hits all the right notes. Creamy, savory, and packed with tender turkey, earthy mushrooms, and tender pasta, it’s a nostalgic dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With its golden, buttery cracker topping and flavorful herb-infused sauce, this casserole is perfect for transforming leftover turkey or simply indulging in a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of rich flavor, creamy texture, and pleasing color. From fresh herbs to the perfect blend of dairy, these ingredients work together beautifully to create a dish that’s both satisfying and elegantly rustic.
- Spaghetti noodles: The base of this casserole, cooked al dente for the ideal chew and to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Used in two stages for sautéing veggies and creating a rich topping, providing that luscious buttery depth.
- White onion: Adds subtle sweetness and an aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they add a delicious meaty texture and umami boost.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: Two herbs that lift the flavors with their fragrant notes and subtle piney essence.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for the creamy, dreamy sauce that binds this dish together.
- Chicken stock: Provides depth and a savory backbone in the sauce’s base.
- Half & half: Enriches the sauce with creaminess without being too heavy, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Sour cream: Adds tangy richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and brighten all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the sauce and sprinkled on top for savory saltiness and a golden crust.
- Shredded cooked turkey: The star protein, tender and flavorful, making this recipe a fantastic way to use leftovers.
- Frozen peas: A pop of sweet freshness and bright color that strikes a delightful balance.
- Crushed butter crackers: Combined with butter and Parmesan for that irresistible crispy, golden topping.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. While the oven warms up, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain and set them aside, ready for mixing.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet with deep sides, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook slowly until translucent, around 5 minutes—this allows their sweetness to develop beautifully. Then stir in minced garlic, sliced baby bella mushrooms, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the mushrooms soften and the whole mixture smells wonderfully fragrant.
Step 3: Make Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over your softened veggies and stir to coat them well. Cooking the flour for 2 minutes while stirring constantly helps eliminate any raw flour taste and gives your sauce a silky smooth base. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, followed by the half & half, taking care to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 minutes until it thickens perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of your grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce even further. Add the shredded cooked turkey and frozen peas, mixing everything thoroughly so every bit is coated with that creamy, tangy sauce.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently until all noodles are evenly coated and mingling with the turkey and vegetables.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the entire mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and in a small bowl combine it with crushed butter crackers and the rest of your Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this golden, buttery topping all over. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and beautifully golden on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the Turkey Tetrazzini casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This step helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to portion out that irresistible cheesy, crunchy topping in every serving.
How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a burst of color and a mild freshness that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. A small grating of extra Parmesan just before serving can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in light vinaigrettes to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a fresh, vibrant crunch, completing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual Turkey Tetrazzini portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets, allowing each guest to enjoy their own personal casserole. Alternatively, layer this dish in a trifle-style glass casserole for a visually stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Turkey Tetrazzini keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time or save leftovers long term, it freezes well. Wrap the baked casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its creamy goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly again, usually about 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help revive the creamy texture if it feels a little dry.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked turkey is perfect for this recipe and actually gives the dish extra boost since the turkey is already flavorful and tender. It’s a fantastic way to transform dinner scraps into something special.
What can I substitute if I don’t have half & half?
If you don’t have half & half, use whole milk combined with a bit of heavy cream for a similar richness. Even just whole milk works, though the sauce will be less creamy but still delicious.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can add extra mushrooms, peas, or even cooked tofu or tempeh for protein.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the sauce thickening. Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping to keep it safe.
What’s the best way to achieve a crispy topping?
The key to a crispy topping is melting butter and mixing it with crushed crackers combined with Parmesan cheese before sprinkling it over the casserole. Baking until bubbly and golden brown gives that irresistible crunch you love.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish that brings rich flavors, creamy textures, and cozy satisfaction to your dining table. Whether you’re using holiday turkey leftovers or just craving a hearty pasta bake, this recipe is a sure winner. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for feeding family and friends with warmth and love.
Print
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender spaghetti, shredded turkey, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, all topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust. Perfect for using leftover turkey and making a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Sauce and Vegetables
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 cup half & half
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 4 cups shredded cooked turkey
- 1 cup frozen peas
Topping
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet with high sides, melt 6 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms become tender, about another 5 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, followed by the half & half, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the shredded cooked turkey and frozen peas to the sauce and mix until well combined.
- Add Pasta: Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture, ensuring all the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine it in a small bowl with the crushed butter crackers and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Evenly sprinkle this crumb topping over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your warm, comforting turkey tetrazzini!
Notes
- Use leftover cooked turkey or rotisserie turkey for convenience and flavor.
- If fresh thyme or rosemary is unavailable, dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
- You can substitute half & half with whole milk and add a tablespoon of butter for richness if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling since it will cook further in the oven.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
