Looking for a quick, creamy, and comforting dinner to use up leftover turkey? This Quick & Tasty Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is the perfect solution! Made with tender turkey, pasta, a rich creamy sauce, and a golden cheesy topping — it’s the ultimate easy comfort food that your whole family will love.
Whether it’s after Thanksgiving or just a busy weeknight, this dish comes together in under 40 minutes, with simple pantry ingredients and loads of flavor.
🍝 What Is Turkey Tetrazzini?
Turkey Tetrazzini is a classic American pasta casserole, typically made with cooked turkey (or chicken), spaghetti, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce — then baked to bubbly perfection.
It’s said to be named after Italian opera star Luisa Tetrazzini, but the dish itself is pure American comfort — warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy!
This Quick & Tasty Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe simplifies the process, so you can enjoy all that goodness without hours in the kitchen.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
🍗 For the Casserole:
12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken or turkey broth
1 cup milk or half-and-half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
🍳 How to Make Quick & Tasty Turkey Tetrazzini
👩🍳 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
💡 Tip: You can use any pasta — fettuccine, penne, or linguine all work great!
🍄 Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add mushrooms and cook until soft and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
🥣 Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the cooked veggies and stir for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens.
Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
💡 Optional: Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper, richer flavor.
🍗 Step 4: Add Turkey & Pasta
Stir the cooked turkey and pasta into the sauce.
Add ½ cup Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella.
Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
🧀 Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and breadcrumbs (if using) on top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can skip baking — just simmer the mixture in the skillet until hot and serve immediately!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Quick & Tasty Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can make it a complete meal with:
🥗 A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
🍞 Garlic bread or dinner rolls
🥦 Steamed broccoli or green beans
Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or easy weeknight meals!
🌟 Tips for Success
✅ Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue cooking in the oven.
✅ Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken: Both taste amazing!
✅ Add veggies: Frozen peas, spinach, or bell peppers work beautifully.
✅ Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
✅ Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months — perfect for meal prep.
🥘 Variations You’ll Love
🥦 1. Veggie Tetrazzini
Skip the meat and load up with broccoli, mushrooms, and peas for a vegetarian delight.
🧀 2. Extra Cheesy Version
Add cream cheese or an extra layer of cheddar for ultra-rich flavor.
🍗 3. Chicken Tetrazzini
No turkey? No problem! Substitute with shredded chicken — tastes just as good.
🌶️ 4. Spicy Twist
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili oil to give it a kick!
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
🦃 Why You’ll Love This Quick & Tasty Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
✔️ Ready in under 40 minutes
✔️ Creamy, cheesy, and family-friendly
✔️ Perfect use for leftover turkey
✔️ Customizable and freezer-friendly
✔️ Comfort food that never fails!
🥄 Conclusion
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, hearty, and full of flavor, this Quick & Tasty Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is just what you need. With its creamy sauce, tender turkey, and cheesy golden crust, it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights or post-holiday comfort.
So grab that leftover turkey, cook up some pasta, and get ready to enjoy one of the best comfort foods ever — quick, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying! 🍝🧀✨