Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Simple Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

Pasta lovers rejoice as this classic turkey tetrazzini recipe brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender turkey, this dish delivers pure satisfaction in every bite.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet delicious meal that comes together effortlessly.

The combination of pasta, succulent turkey, and rich sauce creates a hearty experience that warms the soul.

Mushrooms and a crispy breadcrumb topping add delightful texture and depth to this beloved comfort food.

Leftover turkey never tasted so good, turning yesterday’s meal into tonight’s culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation and savor every delectable forkful.

What Goes Into Turkey Tetrazzini

For Base Ingredients:
  • Spaghetti Noodles: Provides hearty foundation with perfect texture, choose high-quality pasta for best results.
  • Turkey: Lean protein that adds richness and substance, select tender, freshly cooked meat for maximum flavor.
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates creamy base with deep umami undertones, opt for low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.
  • Sour Cream: Delivers tangy smoothness and helps bind ingredients, select full-fat version for richer consistency.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances overall moisture and depth, choose low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Kosher Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Harmonious spice mix that elevates dish's complexity, balance heat and flavor carefully.
For Topping Elements:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, golden crown that provides luxurious finish, select freshly grated cheeses for superior melt and taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish adding color and fresh herbaceous note, chop finely for elegant presentation.
  • Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and helps bind ingredients, use room temperature for smooth incorporation.

Tools to Get That Baked Pasta Just Right

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
  • Colander: Needed to drain spaghetti noodles after cooking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for measuring ingredients accurately.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Cheese grater: Helpful if using block mozzarella cheese.
  • Aluminum foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping parsley for garnish.

Turkey Tetrazzini Cooking Made Simple

  • Kitchen Setup

Gather all cooking tools and preheat oven to a cozy 325 degrees. Grab a large baking dish and lightly coat with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

  • Noodle Preparation

Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, ensuring they have just the right bite and texture. Drain and set aside for the next delicious step.

  • Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend shredded turkey with creamy soup, tangy sour cream, rich broth, and a medley of aromatic spices. Stir until every ingredient harmonizes into a mouthwatering mixture.

  • Pasta Merger

Gently fold the cooked noodles into the savory sauce, making sure each strand gets a luxurious coating of deliciousness.

  • Baking Magic

Transfer the creamy concoction into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of melted mozzarella across the top, creating a golden blanket of cheesy goodness.

  • Oven Transformation

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it bake, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and let the cheese transform into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tetrazzini Tips That Add Extra Flavor

  • Leftover Magic: Transform yesterday's roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken into this creamy, comforting casserole that breathes new life into your protein.
  • Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or experimenting with different hot sauces for a personalized flavor punch.
  • Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to create a more complex and colorful dish that adds texture and vitamins.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter, diet-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.
  • Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

How to Serve Turkey Tetrazzini Like a Host

  • Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty turkey tetrazzini as a comforting weeknight dinner that brings everyone around the table with smiles and warm feelings. Perfect for satisfying hungry appetites after a long day.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this cheesy casserole to neighborhood gatherings or family reunions. Its crowd-pleasing flavor and easy transport make it a guaranteed hit that will have people asking for seconds.
  • Fresh Side Companions: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad drizzled with light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These fresh accompaniments balance the rich, creamy pasta and add a nutritious touch to the meal.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio. The wine's subtle notes will enhance the dish's creamy texture and savory turkey goodness.

Store and Reheat Turkey Tetrazzini Easily

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerator Strategy: Store turkey tetrazzini in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping the dish at or below 40°F to ensure optimal taste and safety.
  • Freezer Friendly Method: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Recommendation: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese melts smoothly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 711 kcal

Servings: 7

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Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty turkey tetrazzini blends creamy pasta with succulent poultry in a comforting Italian-American classic. Cheese-laden noodles and tender meat create a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly serve during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups turkey, roasted or cooked, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 box (16 oz / 454 g) spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente per package instructions
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz / 298 g each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to 325ºF and coat a spacious baking dish with nonstick spray. Simultaneously, boil spaghetti noodles until perfectly tender.
  2. Flavor Fusion: Blend shredded turkey, mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, melted butter, parmesan, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne into a creamy, aromatic mixture that promises depth and complexity.
  3. Noodle Integration: Incorporate the al dente spaghetti into the velvety sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously enrobed with the savory mixture.
  4. Dish Assembly: Distribute the noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking vessel, creating a uniform culinary canvas.
  5. Cheese Transformation: Lavish the surface with mozzarella, promising a molten, golden crust that will elevate the entire dish.
  6. Baking Sequence: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbling.
  7. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant, herbaceous note to the comforting turkey pasta creation.

Notes

  • Precise Oven Temperature: Maintain exactly 325ºF for consistent cooking and optimal texture development.
  • Noodle Preparation Tip: Boil spaghetti to al dente stage to prevent mushiness during baking.
  • Seasoning Balance: Adjust cayenne carefully to control heat level without overwhelming other flavors.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Remove foil in final stage to create perfect golden-brown cheese crust and avoid soggy top.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 711
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 770 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 117 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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