Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy pasta casserole that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. Originating in early 20th-century America, this dish blends cooked turkey with spaghetti, mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce, all baked under a golden crust of cheese or breadcrumbs.
Its velvety texture and savory flavor make it a family favorite, especially around the holidays. Versatile and easy to customize, Turkey Tetrazzini can also include peas, onions, or other vegetables.
Whether made fresh or with leftovers, it delivers satisfying, home-cooked goodness in every bite. It’s the ultimate blend of Italian inspiration and American comfort food tradition.
Turkey Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta casserole that brings comfort and flavor to the table, particularly when you have leftover turkey from the holidays. Named after Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini, this dish has its roots in early 20th-century American cuisine.
Despite its Italian-sounding name, it is an all-American creation—a creamy, cheesy, and hearty bake that combines turkey, pasta, mushrooms, and a velvety sauce, all topped with a golden crust.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a make-ahead weeknight dinner, Turkey Tetrazzini is the epitome of cozy, nostalgic food.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Description
Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting American pasta casserole made with tender cooked turkey, spaghetti, and a creamy mushroom sauce.
Often baked with a golden breadcrumb or cheese topping, this dish is a delicious way to use up leftover turkey.
Flavored with garlic, onions, and a touch of white wine or broth, it brings together rich and savory notes in every bite.
Turkey Tetrazzini is especially popular during the holidays, offering a warm and satisfying meal for family gatherings. It’s hearty, easy to prepare ahead, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
For the topping:
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid overcooking it at this stage. -
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated (about 6–8 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If using frozen peas, add them in the last 2 minutes of cooking. -
Make the Cream Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the broth, followed by the milk and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in the wine, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and mix in ½ cup Parmesan cheese. -
Combine the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl or directly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms and onions, shredded turkey, and about 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and gently toss or stir until everything is well coated. -
Assemble and Top
Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan, then sprinkle the topping over the casserole. -
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 35g70%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting, creamy pasta bake that makes excellent use of leftover turkey, particularly after holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Made with spaghetti or other long pasta, tender turkey, mushrooms, and a luscious cheese sauce, it's a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Below are practical tips and serving tricks to help you create the most delicious and well-presented Turkey Tetrazzini every time.
Tips for Making Perfect Turkey Tetrazzini
1. Use Leftover Turkey Creatively
Turkey Tetrazzini is the perfect way to repurpose leftover roast turkey, especially breast meat. However, don’t hesitate to use dark meat or even a mix of both. Just make sure the turkey is shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook Pasta Just Until Al Dente
Boil your pasta just to the al dente stage—this means it's firm to the bite. It will finish cooking in the oven while absorbing the creamy sauce. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy after baking, especially in a creamy dish like this.
3. Make a Flavorful Base
Instead of just opening a can of cream soup, make a simple roux-based white sauce with butter, flour, broth, and cream or milk. This creates a richer, more customizable sauce. Add garlic, onions, thyme, and even a splash of white wine or sherry for depth of flavor.
4. Balance the Creaminess
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not overly thick. If it’s too thin, the dish will be soupy after baking; if too thick, it will dry out. Adding a little bit of pasta water or turkey broth can help reach the right consistency.
5. Include a Variety of Veggies
Sautéed mushrooms are traditional, but you can also add peas, spinach, or bell peppers. These vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients. Be sure to pre-cook any veggies that release water, like mushrooms or spinach, to avoid a watery casserole.
6. Choose the Right Cheese
Parmesan adds sharpness, while mozzarella or Monterey Jack brings meltiness. Avoid using only pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. For extra indulgence, consider a sprinkle of Gruyère or sharp cheddar.
7. Don’t Skip the Crunchy Topping
A topping of buttered breadcrumbs, crushed crackers (like Ritz), or even panko mixed with parmesan gives the dish a golden, crispy finish. Bake uncovered for the final 10-15 minutes to ensure a crispy topping.
Serving Tricks to Elevate Your Presentation
1. Use Individual Ramekins
Instead of a single casserole, divide the Tetrazzini into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This gives a restaurant-style feel and ensures everyone gets a bit of crispy topping in each serving.
2. Garnish Thoughtfully
Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top just before serving. This adds color and a fresh note that balances the richness of the dish.
3. Pair with Light Sides
Since Turkey Tetrazzini is creamy and filling, serve it with a crisp green salad, lemony steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts to lighten the meal and offer contrast.
4. Serve with Garlic Bread or Rolls
Offer crusty garlic bread, sourdough, or soft dinner rolls on the side. They’re great for scooping up extra sauce and make the meal feel complete.
5. Make-Ahead and Reheat Smart
Turkey Tetrazzini can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through to maintain moisture and texture.
Tips for Success
- Leftover turkey: This dish is ideal for using up Thanksgiving turkey, but you can also substitute with rotisserie chicken.
- Pasta alternatives: Use egg noodles, penne, or fettuccine instead of spaghetti if preferred.
- Cheese swaps: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for extra flavor.
- No cream? You can replace heavy cream with more milk for a lighter version, but the dish won’t be as rich.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.
- Freezer-friendly: Turkey Tetrazzini freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Variations
- Add vegetables: Add chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or cooked broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Spicy version: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Turkey Tetrazzini with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s a well-rounded dish on its own but pairs wonderfully with something fresh and tangy to cut through the richness.
Conclusion
Turkey Tetrazzini is more than just a leftover makeover—it’s a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that pleases both family and guests.
Turkey Tetrazzini is more than just a leftover dish—it’s a versatile comfort food that can be dressed up or down. With thoughtful prep, smart ingredient swaps, and creative serving tricks, it can become a new family favorite that earns a place in your regular recipe rotation.
Whether made fresh or from holiday remnants, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your comfort food rotation. Its versatility, ease, and nostalgic charm make it a classic worth revisiting time and again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkey Tetrazzini?
Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy, baked pasta casserole made with cooked turkey, mushrooms, and sometimes peas or other vegetables, tossed in a rich sauce of cream, butter, and cheese.
It’s usually topped with breadcrumbs or shredded cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.
Though originally made with chicken or seafood, turkey is a popular variation—especially for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Can I make Turkey Tetrazzini ahead of time?
Yes! Turkey Tetrazzini is a great make-ahead dish. You can fully assemble it up to 1 day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes and then bake as directed. If baking straight from the fridge, you may need to add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
Can I freeze Turkey Tetrazzini?
Absolutely. Turkey Tetrazzini freezes well before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Label and date it, and use within 2–3 months for best quality. To cook from frozen, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
What pasta works best for Turkey Tetrazzini?
Long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine is traditional, but you can also use short shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during baking. Gluten-free or whole wheat options can be used too, based on dietary preferences.
