Classic Turkey Tetrazzini Bake

Featured in: Main Dishes

This creamy dish combines turkey, mushrooms, and spaghetti in one casserole. Finished with a golden crunchy layer of parmesan goodness.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:14:48 GMT
Cheesy baked pasta with mushrooms, turkey, and breadcrumbs. Pin it
Cheesy baked pasta with mushrooms, turkey, and breadcrumbs. | twistytaste.com

I wanna tell you about my go-to trick for holiday extras that's absolutely mind-blowing! This Tetrazzini has become what I do right after every Thanksgiving. It's crazy how leftover turkey turns into this super rich, comfy bake that my folks actually get more excited about than the big holiday feast itself!

What Makes Tetrazzini So Wonderful

I'm crazy about how adaptable this dish is! Whether you've got turkey from the holidays or chicken from your weekend cooking, it always comes out tasty. The way that rich sauce coats every bit of spaghetti makes the most satisfying mouthful you can imagine it's basically comfort food magic in a baking dish.

Must-Have Components for Tetrazzini

  • Spaghetti: I make sure it's slightly firm since it'll soften more while baking.
  • Mushrooms: Cremini are what I usually pick but honestly any type works great.
  • Garlic and Butter: These two make an incredible taste foundation.
  • White Wine: A tiny bit really wakes everything up.
  • Broth and Heavy Cream: They team up for that smooth, silky sauce.
  • Parmesan and Cheddar: Using two different cheeses makes it better!
  • Peas from the Freezer: They add nice green spots and sweet bursts.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: You'll thank me for this crunchy layer.

Let's Cook This Together

Prep Your Noodles
Start your water boiling and cook the spaghetti till it's barely done it'll keep cooking when we bake it!
Transform Those Mushrooms
See those mushrooms brown up with garlic and wine they'll drink in every bit of flavor.
Whip Up Your Sauce
Here's where taking your time counts keep stirring that mixture until you've got something totally smooth.
Combine Everything
This is the good part mixing it all together so every single bite gets coated.
Add Your Topping
That parmesan panko mix will turn into the most awesome golden layer.
Into the Oven
Stick it in and get ready for amazing smells throughout your house!

My Top Tricks

  • About That Turkey: Even not-so-juicy turkey works perfectly the sauce brings everything back to juicy!
  • Switch It Around: No turkey around? Try chicken or even ham instead.
  • That Crispy Layer: Really don't miss adding the panko it makes everything better!

Storing Your Dish

This bake stays good in your fridge for several days. When you want more just warm it up slowly in your microwave or oven. The sauce stays nice and creamy!

Great Side Options

While this meal totally fills you up by itself I really like having a fresh green salad with it for something different. Got holiday sides still hanging around? Throw those on the plate too! Everything tastes even better the day after anyway.

A creamy pasta dish topped with breadcrumbs and garnished with green peas. Pin it
A creamy pasta dish topped with breadcrumbs and garnished with green peas. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to prepare this in advance?
Sure! Assemble first, then refrigerate for up to two days. Add breadcrumbs before baking.
→ Does this freeze well?
Yes, freeze before baking. Wrap it up and keep for three months. Thaw overnight, then bake.
→ Can I swap spaghetti for other pasta?
Totally! Try penne, fettuccine, or rotini instead of spaghetti.
→ What if I don’t have white wine?
No problem! Use chicken broth or a splash of white vinegar instead.
→ Can I replace turkey with chicken?
Absolutely. Use cooked chicken in the same amount for a delicious swap.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Leftover turkey turns into a creamy spaghetti bake with mushrooms and golden breadcrumbs. Great way to repurpose holiday extras.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (One casserole in a 13x9 dish)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Nonstick cooking spray.
02 Sea salt.
03 One pound of spaghetti.
04 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, split up.
05 Two garlic cloves, minced.
06 A pound of baby bella mushrooms, sliced up.
07 Half a cup of dry white wine.
08 A quarter cup of plain flour.
09 Two and a half cups of chicken broth with reduced sodium.
10 A cup of heavy whipping cream.
11 Freshly ground black pepper.
12 2 pounds of diced leftover turkey (around 5 cups).
13 One cup of peas, frozen.
14 A cup of shredded white cheddar cheese.
15 1 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
16 Panko bread crumbs, 1 cup.
17 Half a cup of Parmesan cheese, finely grated.
18 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and coat a 13x9 dish with nonstick spray.

Step 02

Prepare the spaghetti in salted boiling water till it's slightly firm. Drain it well.

Step 03

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter, sauté garlic and mushrooms, then pour in white wine. Cook until softened.

Step 04

Stir in the rest of the butter and the flour, cooking until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in broth and cream to thicken.

Step 05

Stir turkey, peas, cheddar, oregano, and cooked pasta together. Put mix into the prepped dish.

Step 06

Blend panko, grated Parmesan, and olive oil, then sprinkle across the top evenly.

Step 07

Cook until bubbly and golden on top, which takes roughly 25 minutes. Let it cool a bit for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Perfect way to save turkey leftovers.
  2. Easily made ahead of time.
  3. Freezer-friendly dish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish sized 13x9 inches.
  • Heavy Dutch oven.
  • A deep pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (e.g., butter, cream, cheese).
  • Contains wheat (e.g., flour, bread crumbs).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 42 g