Name: Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-489224H31M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; Kosher salt; 1 lb. spaghetti; 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms, rinsed, sliced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 lb. leftover turkey, chopped (about 5 cups); 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 89 reviews

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!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Deluxe: This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender turkey, making it the ultimate comfort meal.
Perfect Use of Leftovers: It rescues that leftover turkey and turns it into something everyone will rave about.
Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this one — it’s a great way to sneak in peas and mushrooms too!
Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, this recipe is straightforward — even if you’re not used to making casseroles.

A close-up of a fork full of creamy spaghetti pasta mixed with small green peas, sliced brown mushrooms, and light-colored pieces of chicken. The spaghetti strands are coated in a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce that looks thick and creamy. The background shows a blurred white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey Tetrazzini with leftovers, creamy turkey pasta casserole, holiday turkey leftovers recipe, cozy comfort food recipes

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!

Flat lay of fresh baby bella mushrooms with their rich brown caps and creamy stems, bright green frozen peas scattered nearby, chopped white turkey meat showcasing its tender texture, whole cloves of garlic with papery white skins, a small pile of shredded white cheddar cheese strands, finely grated pale Parmesan cheese, golden panko bread crumbs with a light, flaky texture, a few sprigs of dried oregano leaves, and a pat of creamy unsalted butter, all beautifully arranged in an inviting, natural spread with soft shadows, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey Tetrazzini with leftovers, creamy turkey pasta casserole, holiday turkey leftovers recipe, cozy comfort food recipes

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.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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.

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Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Don’t Skip the Wine: I discovered this trick when I tried making it without wine and honestly, it’s the wine that gives the sauce that extra layer of flavor and brightness.
Use Fresh Mushrooms: I’ve noticed that fresh mushrooms deliver way better texture and flavor than canned or pre-sliced.
Watch Your Sauce Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick before baking, add a splash more broth or cream; too thin, it might make the dish runny.
Panko is King: I used regular breadcrumbs once and the topping wasn’t as crisp—panko gives it that irresistible crunch.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white baking dish with a blue outer side. The bottom layer is creamy, light beige pasta noodles mixed with small pieces of white chicken and bright green peas scattered throughout. On top, there is a crumbly golden brown layer that looks crispy and crunchy. A silver spoon lifts a portion, showing the creamy pasta noodles wrapped around it, with a piece of chicken and some crumbs. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey Tetrazzini with leftovers, creamy turkey pasta casserole, holiday turkey leftovers recipe, cozy comfort food recipes

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

Can I make Thanksgiving Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day before and keep it refrigerated. Just add the breadcrumb topping before baking to ensure it stays crunchy.
What type of turkey works best for this recipe?

Leftover roasted turkey breast or thigh meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces, works perfectly. Dark meat gives a richer flavor, but both are tasty here.
Can I substitute the spaghetti with other pasta?

Definitely! Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne are great alternatives. Just pick something that will hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free cheese options. Just expect a bit different texture and flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Mixing the panko bread crumbs with olive oil helps create a golden, crunchy topping. For even more crispiness, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.

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!