Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Name: Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 oz thin spaghetti noodles; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 1 small yellow onion (diced (about 2/3 cup)); 4 oz fresh mushrooms (diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 4 tablespoons flour; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese (softened and cut into small cubes); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper; 2 cups chopped cooked turkey; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly grated); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (freshly grated); fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up leftover turkey, this easy turkey tetrazzini recipe is just the thing.

Turkey tetrazzini in a baking dish being served with a wooden spoon.

This dish is a comforting baked pasta dish loaded with turkey, peas, and a rich cheese sauce. It combines noodles with a savory mushroom and onion cream sauce then gets baked until bubbly and melty. Perfect for using up leftover turkey, it’s a cozy family dinner that comes together in about 40 minutes.

Like my meatless baked ziti, it’s a classic comfort food dinner that delivers creamy, satisfying flavors in every bite, and makes great use of Thanksgiving leftovers.

After you’ve made your Orange Glazed Whole Turkey, turn the leftover holiday turkey into something new and delicious—like a hearty Turkey Pot Pie, a fresh Turkey Salad, or this comforting turkey tetrazzini. It’s such a simple recipe and the perfect way to stretch one meal into several cozy family favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Great way to use leftovers: Turkey leftovers find new life in this creamy baked pasta.
Family-friendly comfort food: Creamy sauce, tender noodles, and melty cheese combine into a simple turkey tetrazzini—everyone loves it.
Easy to make ahead: Assemble this turkey casserole in advance and bake when you’re ready for dinner.

Equipment

9×13 baking dish

Ingredients

Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are a few key ingredients you’ll need:

Spaghetti noodles – Thin spaghetti works perfectly for this homemade turkey tetrazzini.
Cream cheese – Adds richness and makes the sauce extra creamy.
Chopped turkey – The star of the dish, ideal for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Mozzarella cheese – For gooey melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Frozen peas – Add color and a pop of sweetness.

How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this easy turkey tetrazzini recipe.

Step 1: Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 F.

Step 2: In a salted pot of water boil the noodles to just shy of al dente. Do not overcook the noodles.

Step 3: Drain the water, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Collage of four photos showing steps 1-4 for how to make this easy turkey tetrazzini recipe.

Step 4: In a large pot or tall rimmed large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and sauté until soft, about 4-6 minutes (Photo 1). Add the garlic and flour and cook for an additional 3 minutes (Photo 2).

Step 5: Slowly, while whisking add the broth followed by the milk and cream (Photo 3). Add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper and cook until it reaches a simmer (Photo 4).

Reduce the heat to medium-low to keep a simmer. Simmer until thickened, about 4-6 minutes. If your sauce is too thick you can add 2 tablespoons of the pasta water at a time to get your desired consistency. Keep in mind it will thicken as it cools.

Collage of four photos showing steps 5-8 of how to make turkey tetrazzini.

Step 8: Add the chopped turkey, peas, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese and toss to combine (Photo 5) The cheese does not need to be melted fully. Add the pasta and toss.

Step 9: Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and top with the 1 cup mozzarella cheese (Photo 6). Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is totally melted.

Turkey tetrazzini in a baking dish after being removed from the oven.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

How to Store

Store leftover turkey tetrazzini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish does not freeze well.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make this ahead of time. Don’t top with cheese until right before you put it in the oven. Place in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Remove from the fridge while you preheat the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes covered with foil before removing the foil and baking 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and the sauce bubbling.

Recipe Tips

You can use any shape of pasta for this turkey tetrazzini casserole.
Bacon is a delicious addition to this dish.
Swap chicken for the turkey.
Swap broccoli for peas.
Do not overcook the pasta or it will be soggy when you bake this.
If you use an oven safe skillet or pot you can cook this directly in it instead of transferring to a baking dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make turkey tetrazzini ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking. Bake covered for 20–25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Can I substitute chicken for turkey?

Absolutely. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken (or rotisserie chicken) works just as well in leftover recipes.

Does turkey tetrazzini freeze well?

This particular version doesn’t freeze well because of the cream-based sauce. The texture can separate after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.