If you're looking for a warm, creamy, and cheesy dish to use up your leftover turkey, this Cheesy Baked Turkey Tetrazzini is the perfect solution. With a luscious sauce, tender turkey, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish is a surefire way to bring comfort to your dinner table. Whether it's post-Thanksgiving or just a craving for something rich and hearty, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.
Cheesy Baked Turkey Tetrazzini
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large pot for cooking noodles
Large skillet for sauce preparation
Whisk for mixing the sauce
9x13-inch baking dish
Cheese Grater if shredding cheese fresh
Wooden spoon for stirring
- 12 oz spaghetti or egg noodles cooked and drained
- 2 1/2 cups cooked turkey shredded or diced
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti or egg noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss in mushrooms and cook until softened.
Make the Sauce
Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in the broth, milk, and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps.
Season & Thicken
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Combine Ingredients
Mix in the turkey, frozen peas, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked noodles. Stir well.
Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake & Serve
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pairings
This Turkey Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While spaghetti works great, you can use penne, fusilli, or egg noodles—this is one of those flexible Turkey Pasta Recipes that adapts to what you have on hand.
2. What type of turkey works best?
Leftover roasted turkey is ideal, but you can also use deli-sliced turkey or rotisserie chicken as a substitute.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
4. Can I freeze Turkey Tetrazzini?
Yes, this is one of the best Leftover Turkey Recipes for freezing. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
