Name: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 8 ounces garlic-flavored spreadable cream cheese; 1 ⅓ cups half and half (or light cream); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups cooked chopped turkey; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that hits all the right notes, this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this because it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey—turning simple ingredients into a luscious, cheesy pasta bake that everyone will ask for again and again. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you’ll nail this dish with ease and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses leftover turkey perfectly: No more dry turkey sandwiches—this creamy bake brings every bit of flavor back to life.
Rich and comforting sauce: The garlic cream cheese and half-and-half create an indulgent sauce that’s silky and satisfying.
Hands-off baking after prep: Once it’s assembled, just pop it in the oven and let it work its magic.
Family favorite: My crew goes crazy for this dish—perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with several layers of creamy spaghetti pasta. The bottom layer is light beige spaghetti, covered by a thick white sauce with small green parsley pieces sprinkled on top. The sauce looks rich and smooth, with some small bits of chicken or vegetables visible. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a silver fork with detailed edges. The background is softly blurred, showing another dish out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini, turkey tetrazzini casserole, cheesy turkey pasta bake, leftover turkey dinner, luxurious comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about layers of flavor and texture, from tender turkey and al dente pasta to a rich mushroom sauce infused with creamy cheese. Choosing fresh mushrooms and quality cream cheese really elevates the dish.

Flat lay of a bundle of uncooked spaghetti strands, a few small cubes of salted butter, one whole uncracked brown onion, three cloves of garlic with papery skins, a handful of sliced fresh white mushrooms, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white bowl with smooth garlic-flavored cream cheese, a small white bowl containing creamy half and half, a small bunch of bright green fresh parsley sprigs, a small pile of cooked chopped turkey meat, a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a tiny white bowl holding grated Parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini, turkey tetrazzini casserole, cheesy turkey pasta bake, leftover turkey dinner, luxurious comfort food

Spaghetti: I like using regular spaghetti, but whole wheat or gluten-free work if you prefer.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for sautéing veggies.
Onion: Finely diced for sweetness that balances the garlic and creaminess.
Garlic: Minced to infuse that warm, aromatic punch throughout the sauce.
Mushrooms: Sliced thoroughly; I often use white button or cremini for earthiness.
All-purpose flour: Key to thickening the sauce—make sure to cook it a bit so it loses its raw taste.
Reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful without being too salty.
Garlic-flavored spreadable cream cheese: This is my little secret for extra garlicky goodness and creaminess.
Half and half (or light cream): Adds to the sauce’s silkiness and richness without it being too heavy.
Salt and black pepper: To taste — seasoning is what really makes the flavors pop here.
Fresh parsley: Chopped to brighten the dish with a fresh herbal note.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Cooked chopped turkey: Your leftover turkey stars here—make sure it’s in bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and divided—part melted inside the casserole and part topping for gooey perfection.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, golden finish once baked.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Personally, I love experimenting with this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe to suit the season or whatever’s in my fridge. Feel free to swap ingredients and make it your own—you’ll find it’s a really versatile dish.

Vegetable-packed version: I’ve thrown in some peas or spinach before; it adds color and a fresh bite without losing creaminess.
Chicken instead of turkey: When I don’t have leftover turkey, leftover or rotisserie chicken works just as well.
Dairy-free option: You can use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk, but I admit it changes the texture a bit.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a little heat I sometimes crave.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions—but aim for al dente, which means it still has a little bite. I learned the hard way that overcooked pasta gets mushy when baked, so keep an eye on it. Once done, drain and set it aside while you prepare your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic and cook until they soften and become fragrant—about 4-5 minutes. Then toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes. This step builds the sauce’s base flavor, so don’t rush it. You want the mushrooms tender and the onions translucent.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies and stir continuously for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This helps thicken the sauce later. Then, slowly add the chicken broth and half and half all at once, stirring constantly. Bring it to a gentle boil, and let it bubble for a full minute—it’ll thicken nicely here. Lower the heat and stir in the garlic-flavored cream cheese until it melts completely. Finally, toss in the fresh parsley and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, chopped turkey, one cup of mozzarella cheese, and the creamy mushroom sauce you just made. Mix gently but thoroughly, so every strand gets coated with the sauce. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top. Cover it with foil and bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbling and the cheese is golden brown on top.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

Don’t overcook your spaghetti: Leaving it slightly firm avoids a mushy casserole after baking.
Cook the flour well: Sautéing the flour with the butter and veggies prevents a pasty flavor in your sauce.
Use garlic-flavored cream cheese: It adds a fantastic depth and creaminess that regular cream cheese can’t match.
Cover when baking initially: This traps moisture so your pasta stays tender and the cheese melts beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe

A close-up of a spoon lifting creamy pasta from a white bowl, showing three layers: the top layer is melted light golden cheese stretching with strings, the middle layer is creamy sauce covering small pieces of light beige chicken and thin slices of greyish mushrooms, all mixed with finely chopped bright green parsley, and the bottom layer is soft, pale yellow pasta strands coated in the sauce. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to focus on the spoonful of food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini, turkey tetrazzini casserole, cheesy turkey pasta bake, leftover turkey dinner, luxurious comfort food

Garnishes

Right before serving, I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh chopped parsley or even some crispy fried onions on top. It adds a pop of color and a subtle crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy dish.

Side Dishes

This tetrazzini pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables—something light to balance the richness. My go-to side is a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve also made individual servings in small ovenproof ramekins for a dinner party, which feels extra special and elegant. Topping with a tiny sprig of thyme can give it that final gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I dig back in, the flavors have actually melded even better, making it just as delicious as the first time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this tetrazzini successfully by wrapping the entire casserole tightly in foil and then plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. The texture might be slightly softer, but the creamy goodness remains intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you’re short on time, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it even and creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers in this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with leftover turkey, you can use fresh cooked turkey breast or thighs. Just cook and chop the turkey first, then add it at the same stage. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful.
What can I substitute for the garlic-flavored cream cheese?

If you don’t have garlic-flavored cream cheese, plain cream cheese mixed with a teaspoon of garlic powder or minced garlic works great. It won’t be quite the same depth of flavor, but it’s a good alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! This casserole freezes well, and I recommend wrapping it tightly before freezing. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when ready and then reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake it just before serving. This makes for an easy dinner party or weeknight meal option.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I whip up this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe, it reminds me of cozy family dinners and those moments when a simple dish makes everyone smile. It’s rich without being overwhelming, hearty but not heavy, and a wonderful way to celebrate leftover turkey. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll love how easy it comes together and how comforting it tastes. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!