There’s something magical about the aroma of Turkey Tetrazzini wafting through your home. Picture tender turkey enveloped in a creamy sauce, mingling with mushrooms and peas, all atop perfectly cooked pasta. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, inviting you to sit back, relax, and indulge. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

I remember the first time I made Turkey Tetrazzini for my family. It was one of those chilly evenings where everyone craved comfort food. The smiles and satisfied sighs around the dinner table told me I had struck gold in the kitchen that night. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Turkey Tetrazzini is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavors will have you dreaming of second helpings
- Visually appealing with its creamy sauce and colorful veggies, it makes any meal feel special
- Enjoy it as a cozy family dinner or a friendly gathering dish that everyone will adore
I still chuckle when I think about how my daughter asked if we could have it every week after her first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey works great here; just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Pasta: I recommend using egg noodles for their texture and ability to soak up the sauce.
- Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add depth; opt for button or cremini for best results.
- Frozen Peas: They add a pop of color and sweetness without much prep work.
- Onion: Use finely chopped onion for a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic goodness; don’t skip this step!
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while keeping the dish moist.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture that brings everything together beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese on top creates a lovely golden crust when baked.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best for sautéing and adds richness to the sauce.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the pasta.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. Chop onions, mince garlic, and cut mushrooms—this will streamline your cooking process.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions until they become translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown.
Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously until smooth.
Add Cream and Cheese: Once thickened, lower heat and add heavy cream along with half of your Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and well combined; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, turkey pieces, frozen peas, and your creamy sauce mixture. Mix gently until everything is well coated.
Bake Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish; top with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you’re ready to serve this scrumptious Turkey Tetrazzini! As you dish it out, watch as everyone gathers around with eager anticipation—their hungry faces tell you they know something delicious is coming!
You Must Know
- Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting dish that uses leftover turkey beautifully
- The balance of savory flavors and textures creates a delightful experience
- The aroma while baking is irresistible and will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding turkey and mushrooms. Cook your pasta while preparing the creamy sauce for maximum efficiency and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out turkey for chicken or add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or spinach for a fresh twist. You can also experiment with different cheese blends for added richness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it remains creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality broth to deepen flavor; avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness
- Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top creates a delightful crunch after baking
Cooking Turkey Tetrazzini always reminds me of family gatherings where we’d all dive into seconds, laughing about our turkey mishaps from the holidays.
FAQ
Can I use cooked chicken instead of turkey in Turkey Tetrazzini?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken works perfectly and can save time if you have leftovers.
What type of pasta is best for Turkey Tetrazzini?
Medium-sized pasta like fettuccine or penne holds sauce well, making every bite delicious.
How do I make Turkey Tetrazzini gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting classic that transforms leftover turkey into a creamy, savory delight. This easy-to-make dish combines tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings. With its enticing aroma and satisfying flavors, Turkey Tetrazzini will quickly become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms are golden.
- Stir in flour and cook for one minute. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring until smooth.
- Lower heat and mix in heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, turkey, peas, and sauce mixture; mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For variations, substitute turkey with cooked chicken or add seasonal vegetables like spinach or asparagus. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top adds extra crunch after baking.