The Best Turkey Tetrazzini! (Great for Leftovers)

This easy turkey tetrazzini recipe is the perfect way to turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish the whole family will love.

Made with tender chunks of turkey, spaghetti noodles, fresh mushrooms and a rich homemade sauce, it’s super comforting and feeds a crowd.

This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, so we won’t be limiting it to just Thanksgiving time. You’re going to love the creamy, herby flavors in this one. 

Why We Love This Recipe

• A great way to use leftovers. If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe transforms it into an entirely new meal.
• Rich and creamy. The homemade sauce combines cream cheese, chicken broth and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
• Easy to customize. Add leftover green beans or any your favorite vegetables to make this turkey casserole your own.
• Perfect for busy nights. This easy recipe is ideal for preparing ahead of time, making it a convenient option when you need a comforting main dish.
• Family-friendly comfort food. The cheesy sauce and sweet peas make it a hit with all ages. 
• Great for the holidays. Whether you serve it after Thanksgiving dinner or as part of a Christmas dinner menu, this is one of my favorite ways to reinvent leftover turkey.

What Is Turkey Tetrazzini?

Turkey tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish made with cooked turkey, noodles, mushrooms and a rich, creamy sauce. The mixture is usually topped with Parmesan cheese or bread crumbs and baked until bubbly and golden brown. 

The dish is named after Luisa Tetrazzini, a famous Italian opera star who became famous in San Francisco. So this pasta dish is commonly associated with the culinary history of San Francisco, where it is believed to have been created in her honor.

This dish is especially popular around the holidays because it offers a delicious way to use leftover turkey. 

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Leftover turkey
• Chicken broth
• Mozzarella cheese
• Half-and-half
• Onion
• Peas
• White wine
• Parmesan cheese
• Mushrooms 
• Cream cheese 
• Fresh garlic
• Butter
• All purpose flour
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini

​Cook the Aromatics

Start by sauteing the onions, garlic and mushrooms in butter. Add the flour so the mixture thickens a little bit. 

Add the Liquids

Now, stir in the wine, broth and cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce it back down to low. This will thicken the creamy sauce and make it smell amazing. 

​

Incorporate the Cream Cheese

Break the cream cheese into smaller pieces so it melts easier, and add it to the cream sauce. It might take a few minutes and some stirring, but it will melt!

Prepare for Baking

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cooked spaghetti, chopped turkey, thawed peas and mozzarella cheese. Now, transfer the whole thing to a baking dish. Top it with more mozzarella. 

Bake the Tetrazzini

Bake the pasta for about 20 minutes. This is really just to melt the cheese and make it extra delicious. 

Serving Suggestions

Turkey tetrazzini is a hearty main dish, so it pairs well with simple vegetables, salads and bread. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slightly sweet, caramelized flavor balances the rich cream sauce.
• Garlic bread: It’s perfect for soaking up every bit of the cheesy sauce.
• Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli or asparagus are delicious alongside turkey tetrazzini.
• Cranberry sauce: If you are serving this after Thanksgiving, a little leftover cranberry sauce makes an awesome accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Allow leftover turkey tetrazzini to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

For longer storage, go ahead and freeze it. You could freeze the entire assembled casserole by double wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion it out into smaller freezer bags. 

Reheat in a warm oven or microwave, after thawing it for a little bit. 

Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. You can also freeze the assembled casserole and bake it at a later date. If baking straight from the refrigerator, allow extra time for the center to heat through.

What’s the Difference Between Tetrazzini and Alfredo?

Although turkey tetrazzini and Alfredo both feature creamy pasta, they are different dishes.

Tetrazzini is an American-style baked pasta dish traditionally made with poultry or seafood, mushrooms and a creamy sauce. Tetrazzini is usually assembled in a casserole dish and baked until bubbly.

Alfredo is traditionally associated with Italy. The original Roman-style fettuccine Alfredo uses butter, Parmesan cheese and starchy pasta water to create a silky sauce. American versions frequently add heavy cream for a richer texture. Alfredo is typically tossed with freshly cooked pasta and served immediately rather than baked as a casserole.

Tips for the Best Turkey Tetrazzini

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy during baking. You could even cut a minute off the al dente time and be okay.
• Soften the cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature before adding it to the sauce to make mixing easier.
• Adjust the sauce as needed. Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits, so the mixture should look slightly saucier before baking than you want the final dish to be.
• Use what you have. Leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken and leftover vegetables can all work beautifully in this recipe.

When you make this turkey tetrazzini recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

For more baked pasta recipes, try these: 

• Easy Lasagna Roll Ups with Pesto and Cheese
• Baked Ravioli (No Boil Recipe)
• Cozy Chicken Parm Casserole