
Here’s how I turn extra holiday turkey into something totally irresistible! Every year after Thanksgiving, I whip up this Turkey Tetrazzini. It’s wild how leftover turkey turns into this super creamy, cozy bake. My family actually gets more excited for it than for the holiday feast!
What Makes Turkey Tetrazzini Awesome
This one’s so forgiving! Whether you grab leftover Thanksgiving turkey or some chicken from yesterday’s dinner, it always tastes out of this world. That rich sauce wraps every noodle, giving you that unbeatable comfort with each forkful. It really is casserole magic.
Star Players in Turkey Tetrazzini
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Seriously, don’t skip this. It gives the best crispy finish.
- Frozen Peas: Adds a sweet bite and lots of color.
- Cheddar and Parmesan: Life’s better with both cheeses!
- Heavy Cream and Broth: The creamy duo that makes the sauce so dreamy.
- White Wine: A splash brings extra pop to the whole thing.
- Butter and Garlic: They’re the flavor MVPs in the pan.
- Mushrooms: I like baby bellas but honestly any kind is great.
- Spaghetti: Cook it just barely done so it finishes in the oven.
Easy Turkey Tetrazzini
- Bake to Perfection
- Pop it in the oven—your kitchen’ll smell amazing in no time!
- Crown Your Creation
- Sprinkle that mix of panko and parmesan for an epic golden top.
- Mix and Match
- Combine all your goodness so every noodle gets saucy goodness.
- Create the Sauce
- Take your time whisking—smooth sauce is worth the wait.
- Mushroom Magic
- Sauté mushrooms in butter, garlic, a bit of wine—take in that aroma.
- Start with the Pasta
- Boil water, cook pasta till it’s just shy of done—it’ll finish baking.
Little Tricks I Swear By
- That Crunchy Top: Promise me you’ll throw panko on before baking! Crunch heaven.
- Mix It Up: Chicken or even ham make awesome swaps if you’re outta turkey.
- Turkey Talk: Even turkey that’s a little dried out gets a second chance with this sauce.
Stay Tasty Longer
Stick what’s left in the fridge — it stays tasty for a few days. Just heat gently in your microwave or the oven. The sauce still turns out all creamy!
Awesome Sides to Go With It
This is super hearty by itself but I love it next to a crunchy salad. Got extra holiday sides? Toss those on too. I swear, everything’s even better after a day in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
- Definitely! Assemble everything except the breadcrumbs, refrigerate covered, and bake within 2 days.
- → Is freezing an option for this dish?
- Sure, freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight before cooking.
- → Can I swap the pasta type?
- Yep, other shapes like rotini, penne, or fettuccine work just as well as spaghetti.
- → What can I replace white wine with?
- You can sub in extra chicken broth or a little white wine vinegar for a similar kick.
- → Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
- Of course! Swap the turkey for cooked chicken using the same amount.