If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. Imagine tender turkey mingling with creamy, savory sauce, mushrooms, and peas, all wrapped up with spaghetti and topped with a crispy, cheesy cracker layer. It’s a delightful way to breathe new life into turkey, whether fresh or leftover, making it the perfect recipe for family dinners or festive gatherings. Let me walk you through this beloved classic that’s bursting with flavor and just waiting to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to create the perfect Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. Each one plays a special role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color—from the earthy mushrooms to the velvety sauce and the golden, crunchy topping.
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles: The comforting base that soaks up every bit of creamy sauce and holds the dish together.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps develop that irresistible golden crust on top.
- ½ cup chopped white onion: Provides a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A little punch of savory flavor that brightens the whole dish.
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they add meaty texture and umami notes.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped: Brings a subtle herbal freshness that complements the turkey perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Offers a piney, fragrant accent that enhances deeper flavor layers.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for a luscious, creamy consistency every bite will love.
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock: The savory liquid base that forms the heart of the sauce.
- 1 cup half & half: Adds creamy smoothness without overwhelming richness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Gives a tangy brightness that balances the richness perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and spice to round out the taste.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Brings salty, nutty notes and works magic in the crispy topping.
- 4 cups shredded cooked turkey: The star protein of the dish, tender and full of flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Pops of bright, sweet freshness and a lovely green color.
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers: Creates the crunchy, buttery topping that makes this casserole unforgettable.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set them aside. This sets the stage for a perfectly baked casserole that’s creamy yet has a bit of bite.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a large, deep skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook gently until translucent—this releases a sweet foundation. Next, add the minced garlic, sliced baby bella mushrooms, thyme, and rosemary. Let everything cook together until the mushrooms soften and the kitchen fills with their wonderful aroma, about 5 minutes. This step builds incredible flavor at the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. Cooking the flour for 2 minutes removes any raw taste and helps the sauce thicken beautifully. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock followed by the half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens around 3 minutes. This velvety sauce is the luscious glue that holds the dish together.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir the sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese into the sauce. After that, fold in the shredded turkey and frozen peas, mixing everything gently. This combination ensures every forkful is packed with creamy sauce, tender turkey, and sweet bursts of peas.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Next, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand evenly with the rich sauce. This melding stage guarantees that the noodles are infused perfectly with the luxurious flavors you’ve built.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the crushed butter crackers and remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this buttery, cheesy topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This final step adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baking is complete, allow the casserole to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set so you can scoop generous, hearty portions that hold together beautifully. Now, get ready to enjoy one of the coziest, most comforting dishes you’ll make this year!
How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
When serving your Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a pop of bright green color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli also make great companions, balancing the meal with texture and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve individual portions baked in small ramekins topped with the cracker crust for perfectly crisp personal casseroles. Another fun approach is plating a scoop alongside a tangy cranberry relish, adding a festive flair that plays beautifully with turkey.
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 an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it’s cooked. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For quicker meals, the microwave works too—just cover loosely to retain moisture and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is a perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a fresh, comforting meal that feels special and homemade.
What can I substitute for half & half?
You can use equal parts milk and cream mixed together, or simply whole milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the sauce might be a bit less creamy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and check that your crackers or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping.
Is it possible to prepare this dish vegetarian?
While the classic Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe features turkey, you could swap the meat for a mix of hearty vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How do I get a crispy topping without burning it?
Watch the casserole closely during baking and cover loosely with foil halfway through if the topping browns too quickly, then uncover it again to finish crisping just before the end.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies, you’ve found it in this Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s a cozy, delicious celebration of comforting ingredients that come together effortlessly. Try it, share it, and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
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Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting casserole combining tender spaghetti noodles, succulent shredded turkey, and a creamy mushroom sauce enriched with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a buttery cracker topping and baked to golden perfection, it’s a delightful way to transform leftover turkey into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet with deep sides, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped white onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, sliced baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Continue cooking and stirring constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock followed by the half & half, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, or until it has thickened nicely.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the shredded cooked turkey and frozen peas to the sauce, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and turkey mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and in a small bowl, combine this melted butter with the crushed butter crackers and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier portioning.
Notes
- For best flavor, use leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie turkey.
- Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred.
- The crushed butter crackers topping adds a delightful crunch; you can swap with crushed seasoned breadcrumbs if desired.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary can be substituted with 1 teaspoon dried herbs if fresh are not available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
