If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying casserole, you’re going to adore this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender turkey, silky mushrooms, and rich Parmesan cheese all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and finished with a crunchy cracker topping. This dish turns simple pantry staples into a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe, it’ll become a beloved go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to making a flavorful Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. Each component adds its own magic: buttery richness, fresh herbs for brightness, and the turkey for that perfect protein punch.
- Spaghetti noodles: The foundation of the dish, providing the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the sauce and topping for a luscious texture and rich flavor.
- Chopped white onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the mushrooms and turkey beautifully.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they build body and flavor in the creamy sauce.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary: These herbs add an herby brightness that lifts the casserole.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the sauce its perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken stock: Adds savory depth to the sauce, enhancing every bite.
- Half & half: Creates a rich, smooth texture without being overly heavy.
- Sour cream: Offers tang and creaminess that brightens the sauce.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Half goes into the sauce, half into the crunchy topping for that irresistible umami punch.
- Shredded cooked turkey: The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- Frozen peas: A pop of color and a subtle sweetness that lighten the casserole.
- Crushed butter crackers: They create the wonderfully crisp topping everyone loves.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Basics
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside. Getting this step right ensures your pasta holds texture once baked in the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large, deep skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, baby bella mushrooms, thyme, and rosemary. Keep cooking until the mushrooms soften and all those flavors mingle into a fragrant base, roughly 5 more minutes.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock followed by the half & half, making sure to whisk away any lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for 3 minutes, forming the silky creaminess that holds the casserole together beautifully.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Flavor
Once thickened, stir in the sour cream along with the salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese for that rich, cheesy depth. Then fold in the shredded turkey and frozen peas, combining everything into a luscious, savory filling bursting with texture and taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently yet thoroughly to coat every strand. This step is key to ensuring every bite is full of creamy goodness mixed evenly with turkey and vegetables.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the spaghetti and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the crushed butter crackers and the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Spread this crumbly topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dish bubbles invitingly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking so it can set slightly before serving. This resting time makes it easier to cut and enjoy every comforting mouthful of your homemade Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe.
How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan are perfect for garnishing your Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. They add a fresh, vibrant look and enhance the flavors with a hint of brightness on top of the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed green beans to balance the richness. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-dressed greens bring a refreshing contrast that makes the entire meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the Turkey Tetrazzini in individual ramekins topped with the crisp cracker mixture for a personal touch. Or dust the baked dish with paprika for a splash of color. These small details make your Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe feel extra inviting and homemade with love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect ready-to-eat meal the next day without compromising taste or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even longer, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish before baking or after it cools. Wrapped tightly, it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, roughly 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. This way, you maintain that creamy, cheesy texture without drying out the turkey or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is ideal for this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe because it’s already cooked and shredded, saving you prep time. Rotisserie chicken also works great and adds a lovely savory flavor.
Can I substitute spaghetti with another type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a different texture. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the creamy sauce and baking process.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta, a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and gluten-free crackers for the topping. The flavors will stay just as delicious!
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! You can make the sauce a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to assemble, warm it gently on the stove, then toss with pasta, turkey, and peas before baking.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or carrots would be fantastic. Sauté them with the mushrooms, or stir in some leafy greens right before baking for extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is such a comforting, nourishing meal that brings people together around the table. Its creamy sauce, tender turkey, and crispy topping create a beautiful symphony of flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your family favorites—you’ll find it just as cozy and irresistible as I do!
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 recipe is a comforting casserole dish combining tender shredded turkey, spaghetti, mushrooms, and peas in a creamy Parmesan sauce, topped with a buttery cracker crust and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey and makes a satisfying meal for family or guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Sauce
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cooked turkey
- 1 cup frozen peas
Topping
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large deep skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped white onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, sliced baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, followed by the half & half, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens.
- Incorporate Ingredients into Sauce: Stir in the sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the shredded cooked turkey and frozen peas, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture in the skillet and toss well to coat the spaghetti evenly with the creamy turkey mixture.
- Assemble and Top Casserole: Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with crushed butter crackers and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for a crunchy, cheesy topping.
- Bake to Finish: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbly around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked turkey or roast a fresh turkey breast to shred for this dish.
- Baby bella mushrooms can be substituted with white button mushrooms if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, freshly grate the Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-grated.
- Ensure the sauce is thick enough before combining with the pasta to avoid a watery casserole.
- The cracker topping adds a nice crunch; panko breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
