If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that comes together in a flash, this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender turkey, rich cheese, and savory mushroom sauce, all enveloped by perfectly cooked spaghetti. Whether you’re using up holiday turkey leftovers or just want a hassle-free dinner that feels special, this recipe is a winner every time. It’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, making it a true weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack so much flavor and texture into the dish. From creamy soup and tangy sour cream to fragrant garlic and onion powders, each element plays a key role in creating that luscious sauce and rich, cheesy topping.
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti: The base that soaks up all the delicious sauce while providing the perfect bite.
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup: This adds that signature creamy earthiness that defines tetrazzini.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a velvety tang that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle savory punch that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- Pepper (to taste): Freshly cracked or ground, it adds a gentle spice that balances the creaminess.
- 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped): Tender protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan: Sharp and nutty, it melts into the top for a beautiful golden crust.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Gooey and stretchy, this cheese makes every bite irresistibly cheesy.
How to Make Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Rack
Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and move the rack to the top third. This placement ensures your cheese topping gets perfectly bubbly and golden without burning.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package suggests. This way, the pasta finishes cooking in the casserole, soaking up all those flavors without turning mushy.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce with Turkey
While your pasta cooks, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and freshly ground pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in your shredded turkey to infuse it with that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti well and transfer it to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the turkey and sauce mixture over the pasta and toss everything together until each strand is coated with creamy goodness. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan evenly over the top, followed by the generous layer of shredded mozzarella. This combo will give you that signature golden, melty crust that makes turkey tetrazzini so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the dish is hot and bubbling. For an extra special finish, switch to broil for a couple of minutes—just watch carefully—to get a beautifully browned cheese crust that’s delightfully crisp on top.
How to Serve Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. For an extra dash of flavor, you could grate a little extra parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is rich and filling, I recommend light, crisp sides like a vibrant green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus. They add a fresh, crunchy contrast that balances out the creamy pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also top each portion with a toasted breadcrumb sprinkle before baking to add a welcome crunch that texturally contrasts with the creamy noodles and melty cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This tetrazzini reheats beautifully, so pack any leftovers into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making for a quick and tasty second meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze your casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to refresh the cheese topping. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through, keeping an eye to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, penne, fettuccine, or even egg noodles work wonderfully and give a slightly different texture and appearance to your dish.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy cream of mushroom soup and plant-based cheeses to keep things creamy without dairy.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite veggies like peas and zucchini for a tasty vegetarian take.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is mild by nature, but you can kick up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or toss in a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor that elevates this already delicious dish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, cozy hug on a plate. It’s wonderfully simple, comforting, and full of flavor, perfect for turning leftover turkey or a busy weeknight dinner into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this classic comfort food as much as I have!
Print
Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting baked casserole combining tender spaghetti, creamy mushroom sauce, and savory cooked turkey, topped with melted parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 40 minutes, it makes a perfect family-friendly dinner using simple pantry ingredients and leftover turkey.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
Sauce and Filling
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
Toppings
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third for optimal baking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions, ensuring the pasta stays slightly firm.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir in the cooked turkey until evenly mixed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pour the prepared sauce with turkey over the spaghetti and toss gently to coat all noodles evenly. Spread the mixture out in an even layer.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbling. For a golden cheese topping, you can broil for an additional few minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Using leftover cooked turkey is perfect for this recipe and adds great flavor.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup can be substituted with cream of chicken soup if desired.
- For a richer flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the sauce mixture before baking.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and mushroom soup.
- Keep an eye on the casserole during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
