Turkey Tetrazzini

Casserole recipes are beloved for two main reasons: They usually make enough food to feed a crowd or to save for leftovers, and they often contain everything you need for dinner in a single pan. This turkey tetrazzini recipe fits these classifications perfectly. It makes two pans of food (serving 12 people!) and contains protein, vegetables and carbs—just about everything you’d want in a substantial, hearty recipe. As a bonus, it’s creamy, savory and full of umami flavor from a mushroom pan sauce.

Since tetrazzini calls for cooked turkey, it’s one of our favorite turkey recipes to put your Thanksgiving leftovers to good use. After you work so hard on your best Thanksgiving recipes, it’s nice to relax with some simple recipes in the days to follow—while still enjoying the fruits of your holiday labor.

What is turkey tetrazzini?

Tetrazzini is an American dish that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Its exact origin story is debated, but it’s believed to have been named after the Italian opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini.

The classic dish is a rich casserole made with cooked poultry (usually turkey), pasta (usually spaghetti or another long noodle), a creamy sauce and mushrooms. Wine or sherry is sometimes added to cut through the richness of the ingredients. Our recipe for turkey tetrazzini follows tradition with a from-scratch mushroom cream sauce and a sprinkling of buttered bread crumbs.

Turkey Tetrazzini Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Spaghetti is the typical noodle used in tetrazzini, but you can swap in your favorite noodle shape. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if desired.
• Vegetables: It’s refreshing to incorporate fresh vegetables into creamy pasta recipes. This turkey tetrazzini recipe uses onions, mushrooms and sweet red peppers, which give the dish a vibrant flavor and texture.
• Cream sauce: All-purpose flour, salt, milk and chicken bouillon granules are added to the butter-cooked vegetables to make a thick, luscious sauce.
• Cooked turkey: This recipe calls for cooked turkey breast, though you can also use dark meat if you like. Shredded chicken can also be used to turn this into a leftover chicken recipe.
• Parmesan cheese: A cup of grated Parmesan goes into the pan sauce, bringing out even more nutty, umami flavors in the dish.
• Toppings: Dry bread crumbs are combined with butter and sprinkled over the casserole before it’s baked, creating a golden, crispy crust. Before serving, the cooked casserole is finished with minced parsley for color and an extra hint of freshness.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.

Step 2: Saute the vegetables

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Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute the onions in 6 tablespoons butter until tender.

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Add the mushrooms and red pepper. Saute for four to five minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Editor’s Tip: Stir the vegetable mixture occasionally as it cooks. This will help the vegetables cook evenly and prevent burning or excessive browning as they soften.

Step 3: Create the cream sauce

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Stir the flour and salt into the vegetable mixture until blended. Gradually whisk in the milk and bouillon. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

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Stir the turkey and cheese into the sauce, and heat through. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat.

Editor’s Tip: Whisking and stirring are important in this step. When you add the milk and bouillon, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once you add the turkey and cheese, stir the mixture as it heats to prevent the sauce and cheese from burning on the bottom.

Step 4: Assemble the casseroles

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Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the turkey mixture. Mix well and transfer the mixture to one greased 13×9-inch baking dish and one greased 11×7-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the casseroles

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Melt the remaining butter, then toss it with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the casseroles. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through. Remove the casseroles from the oven, and sprinkle with the parsley.

Editor’s Tip: Similar to our best lasagna recipe, our recipe for turkey tetrazzini benefits from resting for a few minutes before you serve it. This allows the sauce to set up and the casserole to cool down a bit before everyone chows down.

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Turkey Tetrazzini Variations

• Skip the meat: To make a meatless tetrazzini, omit the turkey and add more vegetables like sauteed mushrooms.
• Try different cheeses: This turkey tetrazzini recipe uses nutty Parmesan, though you can try the dish with gooey melting cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
• Add more vegetables: Green peas work well in creamy casseroles, and this dish is no exception. Add them for more color and a bit of natural sweetness.

How to Store Turkey Tetrazzini

Store leftover turkey tetrazzini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the meal so you can enjoy the leftovers in the days and weeks to come.

How long does turkey tetrazzini last?

Most Thanksgiving leftovers are good for about four days in the fridge, and turkey tetrazzini is no exception. If stored in an airtight container, your tetrazzini will last up to four days in the fridge.

Can you freeze turkey tetrazzini?

You can freeze turkey tetrazzini for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer containers. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can you make turkey tetrazzini in advance?

You can make turkey tetrazzini in advance, assembling the recipe as directed and packing it into the casserole dishes. However, save the bread crumb topping and baking until the day of serving. Cover the unbaked casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Then, top and bake it as directed. You might need to add a few minutes of cooking time since you’ll be starting in the oven with a cold casserole.

Turkey Tetrazzini Tips

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What can you serve with a turkey tetrazzini recipe?

If you’re using your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers in this casserole, then by all means serve it alongside other festive leftovers. Colorful veggie sides like sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts would be welcome additions.

Outside of holiday leftovers, you can enjoy your tetrazzini with a crisp, fresh salad on the side. Leafy green vegetables like baby arugula or kale would make an excellent salad base to cut through the richness of the casserole.

Do you have to bake turkey tetrazzini?

Baking the tetrazzini transforms it from a skillet pasta to a golden, baked casserole, but technically you don’t have to bake it. If you’d like, skip the bread crumb topping and baking, and simply serve the dish straight from the stovetop once everything has heated through in the pan.