This Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is the perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftover turkey. Chunks of turkey with pasta all cooked in a rich cream sauce and topped with two kinds of cheese and Panko bread crumbs. Baked till hot, bubbly, and golden brown this casserole is hearty enough to please everyone!

Turkey tetrazzini casserole image with text

I don’t know how it is in your house when it comes to leftovers, but my family really groans when it comes to eating “the same meal” again two days in a row. Thanksgiving leftover turkey is an exception as they will tolerate the whole holiday dinner again in leftover form the next day. By day three, this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini is like heaven to their taste buds.

The recipe is simple and turns out delicious every time. Sometimes, I get daring and throw in a bit of leftover cheesy green bean casserole or top the hearty casserole with leftover stuffing in place of the Panko bread crumbs. When leftovers can be transformed into an entirely new dish, and they don’t realize they’re eating leftovers, I am all for that!

feature image of turkey tetrazzini casserole dish and plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a delicious way to use up leftover turkey.
A classic dish that’s hearty and comforting.
Even picky kids will love it!

What is Turkey Tetrazzini?

Turkey Tetrazzini is a delicious baked casserole with turkey and spaghetti in a creamy mushroom sauce is topped with cheese and baked until hot and bubbly. Like most casseroles, you can add in your favorite vegetables or switch out the turkey for chicken. It’s a perfect use of roasted turkey leftovers.

Many tetrazzini recipes use fresh mushrooms with the sauce, mine does not. That’s because a few family members do not care for them in abundance so I use cream of mushroom soup and they can usually handle the few that are in that. I will tell you, that this recipe is just as delicious with cream of chicken or cream of onion or celery soups. Mixing two different soups can taste yummy, too. Use what you like.

close up of leftover turkey made into casserole

How Did Turkey Tetrazzini Get its Name?

It is said that in the early 1900s when Italian opera star, Luisa Tetrazzini, came to perform at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco the chef created this dish and named it after her. Other sources say the dish originated elsewhere. One thing is for sure, it’s delicious no matter how it got its name!

What Do You Serve with Turkey Tetrazzini?

While you can have this baked pasta dish by itself, it’s also delicious served with a delicious Fall salad, or even other Thanksgiving leftovers like these Skillet Green Beans and Bacon, or Roasted Zucchini Squash Bake. This simple homemade Garlic and Herb Swirl Bread would be wonderful with the casserole. Of course, don’t forget a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert.

easy turkey tetrazzini casserole with serving on white plate

Equipment

13 x 9-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

16 ounces linguine, cooked
3 cups chopped or shredded cooked turkey
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 (10.5-ounce) cans of cream of mushroom (lower sodium)
2 cups reduced-fat sour cream
2 cloves minced garlic
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
¼ cup panko bread crumbs

Follow Blogghetti on Pinterest

Steps to Make Turkey Tetrazzini

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-x-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and set aside.

Step 2

Cook linguine according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside. Be sure to not overcook the pasta as will continue to cook in the oven. No one likes mushy pasta.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, butter, soups, sour cream, garlic, chicken broth, and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the noodles until everything is well combined.

combining ingredients for turkey casserole in glass bowl

adding spaghetti noodles to creamy turkey sauce in bowl

Step 4

Pour the casserole ingredients into the prepared baking dish. Top casserole with both cheeses and the panko bread crumbs.

pour turkey and pasta mixture in to baking dish

top casserole with cheeses and breadcrumbs

Step 5

Bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

turkey tetrazzini close up of casserole dish

Tips, Tricks, and FAQS

In place of the linguine, you can use spaghetti noodles. Bow-tie pasta, egg noodles, or penne pasta are great choices, too.
Make the tetrazzini with rotisserie chicken anytime of the year.
Substitute chicken stock or turkey broth for the chicken broth.
Add fresh mushrooms or some frozen peas to the tetrazzini.
For a bit of spice, add a bit of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

More Recipes with Leftover Turkey

Need other leftover turkey recipes? Try this Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich with your favorite bowl of soup. Replace the chicken in this Chicken Pot Pie with leftover turkey. How about trying one of these easy dinner recipes that use turkey?

spoonful of turkey tetrazzini in creamy sauce

Printable Recipe Card for Turkey Tetrazzini