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Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini (The Best Leftover Turkey Recipe!)
Every Thanksgiving (and every holiday that involves a big roasted turkey), there comes that inevitable moment:
What should we do with all this leftover turkey?
Enter: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini, the ultimate leftover turkey recipe that transforms cold fridge leftovers into a warm, bubbling, silky, cheesy pasta bake everyone will devour. This dish is soul-warming, family-friendly, rich, and incredibly satisfying—everything a comfort food casserole should be.
With tender spaghetti, juicy pieces of turkey, sautéed mushrooms, peas, a velvety cream sauce, and a golden melted cheese topping, this tetrazzini delivers flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, post-holiday meals, or anytime you want a creamy pasta bake that feels special.
Let’s dive into why this dish is legendary, how to make it step by step, plus variations, tips, and all the comforting goodness you need.
Why Turkey Tetrazzini Is So Loved
✔ THE best way to use leftover turkey
✔ Creamy, rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying
✔ Family-friendly—kids devour it
✔ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
✔ Uses simple ingredients
✔ Feels like a restaurant-quality baked pasta
It’s the kind of comfort food that turns leftovers into something unforgettable.
What Exactly Is Tetrazzini?
Tetrazzini is an Italian-American casserole traditionally made with pasta, mushrooms, a creamy sauce, and a crispy cheese topping. It’s extremely versatile—originally made with chicken or turkey—and has become a beloved classic in American households since the early 1900s.
Turkey tetrazzini is now a post-holiday staple because it’s both budget-friendly and wildly delicious. This creamy version captures that classic nostalgia, but with a richer, smoother sauce and more flavor depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Turkey Tetrazzini
- 12 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti until just al dente (it will bake further).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics & Mushrooms
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook 3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and sliced mushrooms; cook until mushrooms release moisture and brown.
- Season with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add heavy cream and cream cheese.
- Continue whisking until creamy and thickened.
- Add Italian seasoning and Parmesan.
4. Add Turkey & Peas
- Stir in turkey and frozen peas.
- Fold in the cooked pasta.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini (The Best Leftover Turkey Recipe!)
A rich, creamy, cheesy turkey pasta casserole made with leftover turkey, tender spaghetti, peas, mushrooms, and a homemade cream sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook spaghetti until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add flour and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in broth and cream; add cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Stir in turkey, peas, Italian seasoning, and cooked pasta.
- Spread into greased baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup pasta water to the sauce.
Tips for the Best Turkey Tetrazzini
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta
It continues cooking in the oven.
✔ Use Leftover Turkey That’s Not Dry
Dark meat is especially delicious in this dish.
✔ Add Broth if Too Thick
The sauce should be creamy and silky—not stodgy.
✔ Brown the Mushrooms Well
This adds deep, savory flavor.
✔ Use Cream Cheese for the Silkiest Sauce
It melts into the sauce and adds richness.
Delicious Variations
1. Chicken Tetrazzini
Substitute leftover chicken for turkey.
2. Veggie Tetrazzini
Add spinach, broccoli, or roasted vegetables.
3. Bacon Turkey Tetrazzini
Crispy bacon adds smoky richness.
4. Spicy Tetrazzini
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
5. Cheesy Upgrade
Add Gruyère or white cheddar to the topping.
Serving Ideas
Pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted green beans
- A crisp side salad
- Buttery rolls
For a lighter meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate:
Up to 4 days.
Freeze (before or after baking):
Up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Bake covered at 325°F until warmed through.
Why This Version Is EXTRA Creamy
Most turkey tetrazzini recipes rely on canned soup.
This one? A homemade cream sauce that uses:
- Butter
- Flour
- Cream
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan
- Broth
The result is a silky, restaurant-quality base that feels gourmet.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble fully → cover tightly → refrigerate up to 24 hours → bake as directed.
Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
Nutrition Highlights
This dish is:
- Protein-rich
- Family-friendly
- Comforting without being overly heavy
Barilla, turkey, and veggies balance the richness.
Holiday Magic in a Baking Dish
The beauty of Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini is that it turns holiday leftovers into an entirely new meal that feels indulgent and special. It’s not just reheated turkey—it’s a luxurious pasta bake that tastes like a hug in every bite.
Perfect for after-Thanksgiving dinners, chilly winter nights, or anytime you’re craving creamy comfort food.