Name: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup chopped shallots or onion; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; ⅓ cup all purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth or stock; 2 cups whole milk; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 2-3 tablespoons dry sherry; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano; 3/4 cup frozen peas; 3 cups shredded cooked turkey breast; 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, plus additional for garnish; 12 ounces dry linguine or spaghetti, snapped in half; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup unseasoned Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano; 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 51 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a rich, comforting pasta dish that wraps you in creamy goodness, then I think you’re going to love this one. This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate — perfect for using up leftover turkey and turning it into something truly special. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation, especially when you want something cozy but still impressive.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Creaminess: The combination of milk, cream, and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that’s velvety without being overwhelming.
Umami-Packed Mushrooms: Sautéed cremini mushrooms add depth and a meaty texture that complements the turkey beautifully.
Perfectly Tender Pasta: Cooking the linguine just al dente ensures it holds up after baking without getting mushy.
Crunchy Topping Delight: The crispy panko and Parmesan breadcrumb topping adds contrast and keeps every bite interesting.

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini, turkey pasta casserole, comforting turkey pasta dish, easy creamy turkey recipe, holiday leftover turkey dinner - A white baking dish filled with creamy spaghetti casserole topped with a golden brown crumb layer that has small green herb pieces sprinkled on it; a woman's hand holds a metal serving spoon lifting a portion showing soft spaghetti noodles mixed with white cream sauce, green peas, and sliced mushrooms, all nestled in the middle of the dish; the white marbled surface beneath adds a clean contrast to the warm colors of the casserole, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe lies not just in the outcome but also in the thoughtful ingredients that blend to create that amazing flavor and texture. Each one plays a role — from the butter that starts your sauce to the parsley that finishes the dish with fresh notes. Plus, shopping tips along the way make sure you get the best versions for the most delicious results.

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini, turkey pasta casserole, comforting turkey pasta dish, easy creamy turkey recipe, holiday leftover turkey dinner - Flat lay of six tablespoons of unsalted butter in two small white ceramic bowls, a white ceramic bowl with sliced fresh cremini mushrooms, a white ceramic bowl with chopped pale shallots, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small pile of fresh thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of dry sherry, a small heap of ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green frozen peas, a neat pile of shredded cooked turkey breast, a small white ceramic bowl with chopped Italian parsley, a bundle of dry linguine snapped in half, a small white ceramic bowl of unseasoned panko breadcrumbs, and a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt balance throughout the recipe.
Cremini Mushrooms: These have a deep, earthy flavor and hold their shape well when sautéed.
Shallots or Onion: Shallots add a mild, sweet complexity, but onions work perfectly as a budget-friendly substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that essential aromatic punch that wakes up the flavors.
Fresh Thyme: It adds a subtle herbal layer that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent that makes your sauce silky and rich.
Chicken Broth or Stock: Opt for a good-quality broth; it adds savory undertones instead of just watery flavor.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: Together they create a creamy texture that’s indulgent but balanced.
Dry Sherry: This is optional but highly recommended — it adds a nutty sweetness that lifts the entire dish.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch warms the sauce with subtle spice notes.
Parmigiano Reggiano: The Parmesan gives salty, nutty goodness and helps thicken the sauce while baking.
Frozen Peas: They add pops of color and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory richness.
Shredded Cooked Turkey Breast: The star protein — lean and perfect for soaking up all those flavors.
Italian Parsley: For freshness and a peppery bite to brighten the final dish.
Linguine or Spaghetti: Snapped in half for ease, these long pastas soak up the sauce beautifully.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, making sure every part sings.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that coveted crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy noodles inside.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap out a few ingredients or adjust flavors to suit your family’s tastes, it’s super forgiving. Plus, you can play around with add-ins or cut down on dairy for lighter options without losing the essence of the dish.

Vegetable Variation: I’ve swapped out turkey for roasted chicken or even sautéed mushrooms alone to make a vegetarian version, and it works beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a blend of cornstarch and gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux.
Dairy-Free Version: Try coconut milk or cashew cream paired with a plant-based butter alternative. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’s still a cozy, creamy delight.
Extra Veggies: I sometimes throw in some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for color and nutrients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing Those Mushrooms to Golden Perfection

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once it stops foaming, toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them down until they release their water and it mostly evaporates—this usually takes about 5 minutes. This step is key because it concentrates the mushroom flavor without turning them soggy. Then add your shallots or onions and continue sautéing for another 3-4 minutes until everything begins to get color. Stir in the garlic and fresh thyme last; that garlic should get fragrant but never burnt, so about a minute is perfect. Remove this mixture and set it aside—this flavor-packed base will elevate the whole dish.

Step 2: Crafting the Velvety Cream Sauce

In the same pan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and stir in your flour. Cook this roux for 1-2 minutes to remove that raw flour taste—watch carefully so it doesn’t brown. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, whole milk, heavy cream, and don’t forget the splash of dry sherry! The sherry adds that secret layer of sophistication, so I always encourage you not to skip it unless you have to. Add ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then keep whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and shiny—around 5 minutes. Stir in your Parmesan until it melts fully, which gives the sauce that savory richness that clings deliciously to the pasta.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

Now, fold in the reserved mushroom mixture, frozen peas, shredded turkey breast, and parsley. I always taste here to make sure the seasoning feels just right — don’t be shy with salt and pepper because the pasta and baking step mellow flavors a bit. Gently stir in the cooked linguine (remember, it should be cooked al dente), and pour everything into your buttered casserole dish. Every piece of pasta will be coated beautifully in that creamy sauce, and you’ll be excited to see it go into the oven.

Step 4: The All-Important Crunchy Topping

Mix together melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, additional Parmesan, and a little black pepper in a small bowl. Then sprinkle this evenly over the surface of the assembled tetrazzini. This crispy topping creates a contrast in texture that I live for—imagine biting into creamy pasta with a satisfyingly crunchy crust on top. It’s a game changer!

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Glory

Pop the casserole on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Around the 15-minute mark, keep an eye on the breadcrumbs—they can brown quickly. If they get too dark before the sauce bubbles, loosely tent the dish with foil. When it’s done, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce thickens wonderfully as it cools, and all those flavors meld into one perfect bite.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook Mushrooms: Let them dry in the pan and get a little golden to boost umami and avoid a soggy texture.
Taste as You Go: The saltiness varies based on your broth and cheese—adjust seasoning before baking to avoid a bland or overly salty dish.
Pasta Timing: Cook pasta just until al dente because it’ll keep softening in the sauce and the oven.
Breadcrumb Watch: Keep an eye on the topping’s color and tent with foil if it browns too fast, so it doesn’t burn while the sauce finishes bubbling.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini, turkey pasta casserole, comforting turkey pasta dish, easy creamy turkey recipe, holiday leftover turkey dinner - The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy spaghetti casserole topped with a golden brown breadcrumb crust and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Inside the dish, there are visible green peas and slices of dark mushrooms mixed with the creamy pasta. Two servings of the casserole have been plated separately on white round plates, each layered with creamy white sauce spaghetti, green peas, and mushrooms, and garnished with crumbs and herbs. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests on the main plate. The setting is on a rustic wooden table with a gray and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped Italian parsley over the top just before serving—it adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery finish that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add a few shavings of extra Parmesan for that salty punch. For special occasions, a light drizzle of truffle oil can take it to a whole new level of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Sometimes, I serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans for a green veggie contrast. On chillier days, some crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when guests come over, I like to bake the tetrazzini in individual ramekins. It looks elegant and gives guests their own golden, bubbly portion. Another fun twist I tried was layering the tetrazzini with caramelized onions and a bit of smoked mozzarella for extra depth and presentation. It’s a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store it in an airtight container to keep the pasta from drying out. Before you tuck in leftovers, give it a quick stir and sprinkle a bit of water or broth if it seems dry—this helps refresh the sauce nicely.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and skip the breadcrumb topping before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping fresh, and bake as directed. The texture stays creamy, and it’s still as delicious as day one.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil to prevent the topping from burning and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. If reheating single portions, a gentle microwave zap works—just cover loosely to keep moisture in. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps keep the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe with leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or shredded chicken works just as well as turkey. The flavors blend beautifully with the creamy sauce, and you won’t notice much difference—just a great way to repurpose dinner leftovers.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of milk and heavy cream, and consider nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Keep in mind the texture and taste will differ, but it’s still deliciously comforting.
Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance; just hold off on the breadcrumb topping until right before baking. Cover it well and keep refrigerated. When ready, add the topping and bake as usual to ensure that crispy finish.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Traditional linguine or spaghetti snapped in half works best here because they hold the sauce nicely and bake evenly. Feel free to experiment with other long pasta shapes like fettuccine or even short pasta, but cooking times might vary.
How do I prevent the breadcrumb topping from burning?

Keep a close watch on the casserole during baking, especially after 15 minutes. If the breadcrumbs start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil to shield them from direct heat while the sauce finishes bubbling.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for when I want comforting elegance without fuss. It’s perfect for turning simple leftovers into something your whole family will rave about. I hope as you make it, you’ll enjoy every moment of the process—and the delicious, creamy reward at the end! Remember, cooking is about joy and sharing moments, and this dish really delivers on both.