Name: Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti noodles; 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; 4 cups shredded cooked turkey; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup crushed butter crackers

This Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Tender pasta, succulent turkey, and a medley of vegetables are bathed in a creamy sauce and topped with a buttery cracker crust. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and ideal for using leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Hearty: This casserole is packed with a rich and savory sauce, tender turkey, and a variety of vegetables, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is a breeze to assemble and bake.
Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or cheeses, or even use a different type of poultry.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Turkey Tetrazzini:

Spaghetti noodles: Cooked al dente, for a classic base.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce and topping.
Onion: Chopped, for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Baby bella mushrooms: Sliced, adds an earthy flavor and umami.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Finely chopped, adds a fragrant herb flavor.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
Chicken stock: Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
Half and half: Creates a creamy sauce.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste.
Parmesan cheese: Grated, adds a salty and nutty flavor.
Shredded turkey: Cooked, adds protein and flavor.
Frozen peas: Adds sweetness and color.
Crushed butter crackers: Creates a buttery and crunchy topping.

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.

How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini

Step 1: Preheat, Cook Pasta, and Sauté Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet with deep sides, melt 6 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms, thyme, and rosemary, and cook until the mushrooms are softened.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock until smooth, then slowly add the half and half while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the shredded turkey and frozen peas, and stir to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Topping and Bake

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, crushed butter crackers, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, especially the turkey, vegetables, and cheese, the better the flavor of the casserole.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.
Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini

Main Course: This Turkey Tetrazzini is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite roasted meats or vegetables.
Holiday Meal: It’s a perfect dish for using leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead:

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble it up to the baking step, then cover and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Assemble the casserole in a foil baking dish and freeze it unbaked. Cover tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake according to the recipe directions.

Reheating:

Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, ziti, or rotini.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute the turkey with cooked chicken, ham, or even ground beef.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the sauce.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Turkey Tetrazzini that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!