Why You’ll Love this Comforting Turkey Tetrazzini
When the air turns crisp and you’re staring down a mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers, there’s nothing quite like transforming yesterday’s turkey into something magical. This creamy, cheesy Turkey Tetrazzini is comfort food at its finest—a rich casserole that elevates leftover poultry to dinner table stardom.
I love how versatile this dish is. Can’t find pimientos? No problem. Want to add peas? Go for it.
The combination of two cheeses creates that perfect golden crust, while the sherry adds a subtle depth most pasta bakes lack.
And who doesn’t appreciate a make-ahead meal that can be frozen for future dinner emergencies?
What Ingredients are in Comforting Turkey Tetrazzini?
Turkey Tetrazzini is the ultimate kitchen alchemy—turning simple pantry staples and leftovers into something that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. The magic happens when creamy sauce meets tender pasta, savory turkey, and those delightful umami notes from mushrooms.
I find something so satisfying about the way these ingredients transform when baked together, creating that golden, bubbly masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons chopped onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 teaspoon marjoram
- 10 3/4 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 2/3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons pimientos
- 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sherry wine
One of the beautiful things about this ingredient list? The flexibility.
Don’t have evaporated milk on hand? Regular milk works in a pinch, though you’ll lose some of that velvety richness. The sherry might seem fancy, but it’s worth grabbing a bottle—it adds this incredible depth you can’t get any other way.
And while we’re talking turkey here, this recipe works just as beautifully with leftover chicken, making it a year-round option for transforming yesterday’s roast into tonight’s comfort food masterpiece.
How to Make this Comforting Turkey Tetrazzini
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti (broken into 2-inch pieces) in salted water until tender. When done, drain and rinse in hot water—this stops the pasta from cooking further and removes excess starch.
Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and sauté 3 tablespoons of chopped onions and 1/2 cup of chopped celery until they soften. This aromatic base is what gives our tetrazzini that homey, comforting quality that makes you want to curl up with a bowl on a chilly evening.
Now for the creamy sauce that transforms this dish from good to unforgettable. After sautéing your vegetables, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of marjoram, and the reserved mushroom liquid (from your 4 ounces of sliced mushrooms). Blend in a can (10 3/4 ounces) of cream of chicken soup and 12 ounces of evaporated milk, stirring continually until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon—that’s when you know it’s ready.
In a casserole dish or loaf pan, combine your drained spaghetti, mushrooms, 2 tablespoons of pimientos, and 2 cups of cubed cooked turkey. Pour that velvety sauce over everything and give it a gentle mix. Don’t forget to add 1/2 cup of sherry wine for that subtle depth of flavor that makes people wonder, “What’s that amazing taste?”
Top your creation with 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan—because, really, is there such a thing as too much cheese? For the most luxurious cooking experience, consider using an enameled Dutch oven which maintains perfect heat distribution throughout the baking process.
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top forms a golden, irresistible crust. One of the best parts about this Turkey Tetrazzini? You can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it, or even freeze it for future dinner emergencies.
Just imagine coming home after a long day and remembering you’ve got this waiting for you—that’s what I call kitchen brilliance. For best results, consider using a premium Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and a perfectly cooked casserole every time.
Comforting Turkey Tetrazzini Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of Turkey Tetrazzini is undeniably delicious, there’s always room to customize this comforting casserole to suit your pantry or preferences.
You can swap chicken for turkey, linguine for spaghetti, or even try egg noodles for a heartier texture. No sherry? A splash of white wine works beautifully.
Vegetarians might substitute mushroom broth and extra veggies for the turkey.
The cheeses are wonderfully adaptable too—try Gruyère for nuttiness or Monterey Jack for meltability.
Can’t find pimientos? Roasted red peppers add a similar sweet pop of color.
What creative twists might you add to make this dish your own?
What to Serve with Comforting Turkey Tetrazzini
A complete meal deserves thoughtful sides, and this comforting Turkey Tetrazzini pairs beautifully with several complementary dishes.
I love serving it with a crisp garden salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts or asparagus provide a wonderful textural contrast.
Can’t forget warm, crusty garlic bread for sopping up that delicious sauce! For a special touch, try a light fruit-based dessert afterward—perhaps poached pears or a lemon sorbet. The acidity cuts through the richness and cleanses your palate.
Trust me, your dinner guests will be impressed.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I think about comfort food, this Turkey Tetrazzini recipe jumps to the top of my list. The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and succulent turkey create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
What makes it truly special? Perhaps it’s the versatility—use leftover holiday turkey or chicken any time of year.
I love that you can prepare it ahead, tucked away in the fridge or freezer until needed. Those busy weeknights when cooking feels impossible? This dish has your back.
The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates that irresistible golden crust we all secretly fight over. For a similar rich flavor profile, try using Italian seasoning with your protein to enhance the savory notes of the dish.
For another effortless family dinner option, try a slow cooker roast that cooks to perfection while you attend to other things.
