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Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini

This cozy, creamy casserole is the best way to turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a comfort-meal that feels totally new. Creamy sauce, tender pasta, and a buttery crunchy topping—everyone will forget it started as leftovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 cups cooked turkey chopped or shredded
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced (optional but classic)
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half & half
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • ¼ tsp paprika
Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
  1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and mushrooms; sauté 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Make the Sauce
  1. Stir in broth, heavy cream, sour cream, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Add Turkey, Peas & Cheese
  1. Stir in leftover turkey, peas, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Combine With Pasta
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
Prepare Topping
  1. In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan.
Bake
  1. Transfer tetrazzini mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle topping evenly over the casserole.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve
  1. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dig in! Great with a side salad or leftover rolls.

Notes

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup leftover green bean casserole (mix directly into the pasta—surprisingly amazing)
  • ½ cup leftover gravy added to the sauce for extra richness
  • Swap peas for chopped broccoli or mixed veggies