Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love finding new ways to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers that somehow seem to multiply overnight. That’s why I’m super excited to share this Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe with you. It’s creamy, comforting, and just bursting with cozy flavors that turn leftover turkey into something truly special. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become a new holiday tradition in your house!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe work together beautifully for a rich and creamy casserole. When shopping, try to get fresh mushrooms and good quality turkey—it makes a real difference!

• Cooking spray: Helps keep your baking dish non-stick so cleanup is a breeze.
• Kosher salt: I always recommend kosher salt because it seasons evenly and tastes cleaner.
• Spaghetti: Classic pasta choice here for the perfect cheesy coating throughout.
• Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness, but it’s best to control salt levels yourself.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic really elevates the flavor — no jarred substitute needed.
• Baby bella mushrooms: These give an earthy depth and a nice texture contrast in the dish.
• Dry white wine: Adds brightness and a little acidity to balance all the creaminess.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce into that luscious, comforting base.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the flavor savory without overpowering the turkey.
• Heavy cream: For that decadently creamy texture that makes each bite irresistible.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
• Leftover turkey (about 2 lbs): Chopped into bite-sized pieces, this is the star of the show.
• Frozen peas: Little pops of sweetness and color you’ll appreciate in every forkful.
• Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and adds that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Dried oregano: A simple herb that complements turkey and mushrooms wonderfully.
• Panko bread crumbs: For a crunchy, golden topping your family will fight over.
• Finely grated Parmesan: Adds nutty flavor to the breadcrumb topping.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Binds the breadcrumbs and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Variations

This Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is so versatile—you can easily tweak it based on what you have or your dietary preferences. I like adding my own spin depending on the season or the crowd.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap turkey for hearty roasted mushrooms and add spinach for a veggie-packed crowd-pleaser that still has creamy, cheesy vibes.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend—panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed gluten-free crackers too.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little warmth that beautifully contrasts with all the creamy flavors.

How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Preheat your oven to 350°F, then grease a 13″x9″ baking dish with some cooking spray—trust me, a well-greased dish means none of that cheesy goodness will stick! Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente (that means tender but with a bit of bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside. A quick tip? Don’t overcook the spaghetti here because it’ll keep cooking in the oven and you want it to hold its texture.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic

In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring, just until fragrant, about a minute—don’t let it brown or it will turn bitter! Toss in the sliced baby bella mushrooms and pour in the white wine. Cook, stirring often, until the wine mostly absorbs and the mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes. This step builds a deep, savory flavor that makes the whole dish amazing.

Step 3: Make the Luxurious Sauce

Now add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to your pot. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep whisking for about 3 minutes until it turns golden and smells nutty. This is your roux—it’s the secret behind that unbelievably creamy, smooth sauce. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Let it simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add your chopped leftover turkey, frozen peas, shredded cheddar, and dried oregano to the sauce and give it a good toss so everything is evenly coated and heated through. Then fold in the cooked spaghetti so every strand gets wrapped in that creamy sauce. Taste again and adjust salt and pepper if needed—this step lets you make the dish just how you like it.

Step 5: Get that Perfect Crunch

Transfer your turkey pasta mixture into the baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, and olive oil until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this topping generously over the casserole—that crispy, golden crust is what makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. When you pull it out, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let everything set beautifully. I always tell my family not to rush this part—even though it’s tempting, it really improves the texture and flavor.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving because it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and cream. A little lemon zest can also brighten things up if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Pair your Turkey Tetrazzini with some roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. I also serve it alongside my favorite cranberry sauce to keep that classic Thanksgiving vibe alive.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make individual servings in ramekins topped with fresh thyme sprigs. It’s a fun way to make everyone feel a little fancy and also helpful for portion control! Plus, it makes leftovers a lot more exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I let any leftovers cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. Pro tip: I usually separate instructions and reminders to reheat evenly when serving.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works surprisingly well! I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to bring back that creamy, cheesy magic.

Reheating

To keep the dish creamy and delicious when reheating, I cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through — usually around 20 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps refresh that golden breadcrumb topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe really holds a special place in my heart because it transforms leftovers into something exciting and utterly comforting. I love how it brings my family together, sharing that cozy, rich goodness in every bite. If you want a dish that’s easy to prep, crowd-pleasing, and full of love, give this one a try—you’ll thank me later!

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