The very best thing to happen to leftover turkey: a bubbling, cheesy spaghetti bake with a real homemade sauce.
Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Total50 min
Serves8
LevelIntermediate
What makes it special
Butter
Black pepper
Flour
Heavy cream
Every year after a big holiday dinner, the same question comes up: what do we do with all this turkey? My answer is always this bake. Spaghetti, turkey, mushrooms and peas in a silky homemade cream sauce, finished with a golden cheese crust.
What is tetrazzini?
It's a classic Italian-American pasta bake with mushrooms, a creamy sauce and a cheesy top. Turkey tetrazzini became a post-holiday tradition because it turns leftovers into something everyone actually gets excited about.
Why mine is extra creamy
No canned soup here. The sauce is made with butter, flour, broth, cream, a little cream cheese and Parmesan. It's simple, and so much better.
Tips
Undercook the pasta. It keeps cooking in the oven.
Brown the mushrooms well for a deep, savory flavor.
Use dark meat if you have it; it stays juicy.
Too thick? Add a splash of broth before baking.
Variations
Chicken: works just as well.
Bacon: crispy bacon for a smoky touch.
More vegetables: spinach or broccoli.
Cheesier: Gruyère or white cheddar on top.
Serving
A crisp Caesar salad, roasted green beans or buttery rolls.
Leftovers keep for 4 days. Reheat covered at 325°F until warm all the way through.
Spaghetti, leftover turkey, mushrooms and peas in a homemade cream sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan and baked until bubbly.
Pasta Intermediate American
Prep
20 min
Cook
30 min
Total
50 min
Servings
8
Ingredients 17 items
Tap to check off as you go
Casserole
Topping
Instructions 7 steps
1
Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, then drain.
2
Cook the onion, garlic and mushrooms in butter, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4
Slowly whisk in the broth and cream, then add the cream cheese and Parmesan.
5
Stir in the turkey, peas, Italian seasoning and pasta.
6
Spread in a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7
Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
495
Protein
27g
Carbs
42g
Fat
24g
Sugar
5g
Fiber
3g
Sodium
540mg
Questions, answered
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes. Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Can I assemble it ahead?
Yes. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, before or after baking, for up to 2 months.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
