Introduction

Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cream is a classic, comforting casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. This dish combines tender pieces of turkey, earthy mushrooms, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection.

This recipe is perfect for holiday leftovers, weeknight dinners, or cozy family meals, offering a restaurant-quality dish that’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor. The combination of tender turkey, savory mushrooms, and velvety cream sauce makes every bite warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting and creamy: The rich cream sauce envelops the pasta and turkey for a cozy, indulgent dish.
Great for leftovers: Transforms leftover turkey into a new and exciting meal.
Balanced flavors: Earthy mushrooms, savory turkey, and subtle seasonings create a well-rounded dish.
Easy to make: Minimal prep and can be assembled ahead of time.
Family-friendly: Loved by both adults and kids, making it perfect for gatherings.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into a rich, comforting, and elegant casserole that everyone will love:

Comfort Food Classic: The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and succulent turkey create a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Perfect Use for Leftovers: It’s an excellent way to turn leftover turkey into a flavorful, elevated meal, making it both practical and delicious.
Balanced Flavors and Textures: Earthy mushrooms, savory turkey, tender pasta, and a crispy golden topping create a harmonious combination that delights every bite.
Easy yet Elegant: While it tastes like a restaurant-quality casserole, it’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or holiday meals.
Versatile and Customizable: You can add vegetables, cheese, or spices to suit your taste, ensuring a personalized and crowd-pleasing dish every time.

In short, Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cream is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful casserole that elevates leftovers, satisfies comfort food cravings, and impresses with both taste and presentation—a true must-try for any home cook.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories (approx): 450 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course / Casserole
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

Pasta & Turkey:

12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cream Sauce:

3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp butter
2 cups chicken or turkey broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping:

½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms, sauté until mushrooms are tender and slightly browned.
Make Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth and cream until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
Combine Pasta and Turkey: Add cooked pasta and shredded turkey to the cream sauce. Stir until well coated.
Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Topping: Mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
Bake: Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until topping is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Cook pasta al dente and drain.
Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter until tender.
Prepare cream sauce with butter, flour, broth, cream, thyme, and Parmesan.
Stir cooked pasta and turkey into the sauce.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs, butter, and Parmesan for topping; sprinkle over casserole.
Bake covered 20 minutes, then uncovered 10–15 minutes until golden.
Garnish and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve as a main course for a cozy dinner.
Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Offer garlic bread or rolls to soak up creamy sauce.

Recipe Tips

Use leftover roasted turkey or cooked turkey breast for convenience.
Do not overcook pasta in boiling water; it will continue to cook in the oven.
Sauté mushrooms and onions first for deeper flavor.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter for a crispy, golden topping.
Make ahead by assembling casserole and refrigerating; bake when ready.

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace turkey with cooked tofu or extra mushrooms.
Cheese Lovers: Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyere to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour; gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for enhanced aroma.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Assemble casserole without topping and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then add topping and bake.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered until heated through, about 15–20 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for pasta
Skillet for sautéing and sauce
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use leftover turkey?
Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly and adds flavor.

Q2: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble casserole and refrigerate; bake when ready.

Q3: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely, chicken works just as well.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, peas, or bell peppers work beautifully.

Conclusion

Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cream is a rich, comforting, and versatile casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, elegant dish. Perfect for holiday leftovers or cozy dinners, it combines creamy sauce, tender turkey, pasta, and golden topping for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare. With its balanced flavors, creamy texture, and warming appeal, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves classic comfort food with a touch of elegance.