Turkey Tetrazzini

Turn leftover turkey into a creamy, dreamy Turkey Tetrazzini! This easy comfort food casserole with sherry cream sauce is perfect for weeknights. Get the recipe! ... Smart Kitchen Basics
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered what to do with that mountain of leftover turkey? me too! that's where this turkey tetrazzini recipe comes in.
It's seriously the best way to transform thanksgiving leftovers into a creamy, dreamy comfort food masterpiece.
From Classic to Casserole: Turkey Tetrazzini Time!
Tetrazzini has a touch of old-school elegance, originally italian-american. think baked pasta dishes meets creamy goodness. it's total comfort food! this recipe? super simple to make, clocking in around an hour.
Feeds 6-8 hungry folks.
Creamy, Dreamy, and Good for You-ish
Okay, let's whip up some for "turkey tetrazzini!"
This creamy turkey casserole is surprisingly protein-packed. perfect for a post-holiday meal. or a weeknight casserole recipes when you need something warm and satisfying.
What makes it special? the sherry cream sauce . it elevates the whole dish! this is one of the best thanksgiving leftovers ideas out there.
Now, about those ingredients...
We are talking about some comfort food casserole .
Honestly, the best part is using up that leftover turkey recipes . no more turkey sandwiches for days! plus, who can resist a turkey and mushroom casserole with a luscious sherry sauce? it's a flavor explosion in every bite, and it is the kind of cooking when the result is a kind of culinary hug.
It is an Easy turkey dinner .
Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Tetrazzini Party Started!
Okay, let's whip up some serious turkey tetrazzini . seriously, this is the ultimate comfort food casserole , perfect after thanksgiving! honestly, it's one of the best thanksgiving leftovers ideas ever.
Let's gather our stuff.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Right, first things first, the bits and bobs. We need:
- 6 tablespoons ( 85g ) Unsalted Butter. Proper butter, mind.
- 1 cup ( 120g ) All-Purpose Flour. Plain flour works a treat.
- 6 cups ( 1.4 L ) Chicken Broth, low sodium. Keeps the saltiness in check.
- 1 cup ( 240ml ) Heavy Cream. Don't skimp, it makes it creamy.
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) Dry Sherry. This adds a touch of class.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg. Just a pinch.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste. Seasoning is key, people!
- 1 pound ( 450g ) Spaghetti, Linguine or Egg Noodles. I love turkey tetrazzini with egg noodles .
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced (approx. 1 cup diced).
- 8 ounces ( 225g ) Cremini Mushrooms, sliced. Get good quality ones, they make a difference for this turkey and mushroom casserole .
- 3 cups (approx. 450g ) Cooked Turkey, diced (white and dark meat). It is a leftover turkey recipe , after all!
- 1/2 cup ( 50g ) Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for topping.
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley. For a bit of green goodness.
Honestly, don't use those pre-sliced mushrooms. The flavor just isn't the same, you know? And with a sherry cream sauce , you want only the best.
Seasoning Notes: Adding Some Zing
Right, the spices! nutmeg is essential for that warm, comforting flavor. it elevates this creamy turkey casserole big time. use a sherry cream sauce for extra richness.
If you don't have sherry, dry white wine is an excellent substitution. a dash of lemon can trick it, too!
Equipment Needed: What You'll Need
Right, gear time! Nothing too fancy, promise.
- Large pot for boiling pasta.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish.
- Whisk. For lump-free sauce.
- Colander.
A wooden spoon is handy too. seriously, that's it! this is proper comfort food casserole , not rocket science. and best of all, this easy turkey dinner recipe is a winner for weeknight casserole recipes .
You see? With the right tools and the right ingredients you will have that perfect baked pasta dish !

Cooking Method: Let's Get This Turkey Tetrazzini Going!
Okay, let's whip up some turkey tetrazzini . honestly, is there anything better on a chilly evening? it is the comfort food casserole of my dreams.
Forget your diet; we're diving in headfirst to these leftover turkey recipes .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first. we need to get our ducks in a row with some essential mise en place . that just means having everything ready to go.
Dice your onion, slice your mushrooms, and measure out all the ingredients. it will save you tons of time. aim for about 25 minutes of prep.
You know, i used to skip this step, and i'd always end up burning something.
Step-by-Step: Turning Turkey into Treasure
- Cook the Pasta: Boil 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti, linguine or egg noodles according to the package. Toss it with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Sauté Veggies: In a big pan, cook 1 medium diced yellow onion in 6 tablespoons (85g) of butter until soft. Then, toss in 8 ounces (225g) sliced cremini mushrooms till they're browned.
- Make that Sauce: Melt more butter. Whisk in 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour , then slowly stir in 6 cups (1.4 L) of chicken broth . Simmer until it thickens.
- Cream It Up: Stir in 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream and 1/2 cup (120ml) of dry sherry. Add a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg along with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Conquer: Mix pasta, veggies, 3 cups (approx. 450g) of diced cooked turkey , and 1/2 cup (50g) of parmesan cheese into the sauce.
- Bake It: Pour everything into a 9x13 inch baking dish . Top with more parmesan. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes before digging in.
Pro Tips: Secret Sauce to Success
Want that sherry cream sauce extra creamy? use room-temperature cream. honestly, it makes a difference. avoid overcooking the pasta because soggy pasta is a tragedy.
If you are looking for thanksgiving leftovers ideas , this one is a game changer. oh my gosh!, i have used this recipe every thanksgiving for years and it is a super easy turkey dinner .
Turkey tetrazzini isn't just baked pasta dishes ; it's a hug in a bowl. i find it very similar to other weeknight casserole recipes , where i can throw in anything and call it a day.
Recipe Notes for the Best Turkey Tetrazzini Ever!
Okay, let’s dive into some crucial notes to make your turkey tetrazzini absolutely amazing! honestly, these tips and tricks can make all the difference.
I am sharing my own experience and what i learned over the years.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? for plating, think simple elegance. a scoop of this comfort food casserole looks great in a shallow bowl.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. want to go next level? add a lemon wedge. pair it with a crisp green salad.
Steamed asparagus also works. don't forget a glass of chilled white wine!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? lucky you! for refrigeration, store the creamy turkey casserole in an airtight container. it'll keep for 3-4 days .
To reheat, microwave individual portions. alternatively, bake it in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.
Freezing is an option! wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrap. it will last for 1-2 months . thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations: Spicing Things Up
Want to shake things up? try a gluten-free version! use gluten-free pasta and flour. for a lighter easy turkey dinner , sub half-and-half for heavy cream.
For seasonal swaps, use butternut squash instead of mushrooms in the fall. add peas in spring. think about what's fresh and tasty! we can talk of these thanksgiving leftovers ideas when we meet!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Let's keep it simple. a serving of this turkey and mushroom casserole has roughly 450-550 calories. it's packed with protein and vitamins.
Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber. turkey is a lean protein. it is also rich in niacin. mushrooms are a great source of vitamin d.
It is a comforting and nutritious meal! honestly, you can't go wrong.
So, there you have it! these recipe notes will help you create a turkey tetrazzini with egg noodles that’s truly memorable.
Don't be afraid to experiment. most importantly, have fun! you've got this. this will be one of your best leftover turkey recipes !

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make turkey tetrazzini ahead of time? I'm having a right old knees-up on Saturday!
Absolutely! Turkey tetrazzini is a brilliant make-ahead dish. Assemble the casserole completely, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
What's the best way to store leftover turkey tetrazzini, and how long will it last?
Store leftover tetrazzini in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but be aware that the texture of the sauce and pasta may change slightly upon thawing. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
I don't have sherry, what can I use instead in my turkey tetrazzini?
No sherry, no worries! You can substitute dry white wine for a similar flavour profile. Or, for a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice to add a touch of brightness. Just remember to keep the flavours balanced – you don’t want it to taste like lemonade tetrazzini!
Is there a good way to make turkey tetrazzini healthier? All that cream seems a bit naughty!
Good on you for thinking about it! You can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, although the sauce might be a bit thinner. Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost the fiber content and load up on the veggies! Adding peas, asparagus or spinach will ramp up the nutritional value while still keeping that comforting tetrazzini vibe.
Can I use different types of pasta for turkey tetrazzini? I've only got penne on hand!
Absolutely! While spaghetti, linguine, or egg noodles are traditional, penne will work perfectly well. Any pasta shape that holds sauce nicely is a good choice. Just make sure to cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. It's all about making the recipe work for what you've got in the cupboard, innit?
What other proteins can I use instead of Turkey in Turkey Tetrazzini?
Absolutely. Cooked chicken is a common and delicious substitute. For seafood lovers, cooked shrimp or flaked cooked fish can also be used. Adjust seasoning to taste for seafood versions. Alternatively, you could also use mushrooms, and omit the poultry and seafood for a vegetarian version.