Old Fashioned Turkey Tetrazzini From Scratch
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Old fashioned turkey tetrazzini from scratch—creamy, comforting, and perfect for using leftover turkey in an easy, homemade dinner.
There’s something special about an old-fashioned recipe that’s been made the same way for years—simple ingredients, real flavor, and a meal that actually fills everyone up. Turkey tetrazzini is one of those comfort foods that never goes out of style.
It’s creamy, hearty, and the perfect way to use leftover turkey. Whether it’s after the holidays or just a regular weeknight when you’ve got cooked turkey to use up, this dish turns it into something everyone will be excited to eat.
This is the kind of meal that stretches what you have, feeds a crowd, and makes great leftovers too.
What Is Turkey Tetrazzini?
Turkey tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish made with tender turkey, noodles, and a creamy sauce, usually finished with a golden, slightly crispy topping.
It’s a classic comfort casserole that’s been around for generations, and for good reason—it’s simple, filling, and easy to adapt based on what you have in your kitchen.
How to Make Turkey Tetrazzini from Scratch
Old-Fashioned Turkey Tetrazzini
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mushrooms optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta and set aside.
- Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter.
- Stir in flour, then add broth and milk to make sauce.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Mix in turkey and pasta.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and parmesan.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
Nutrition
Optional topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is made completely from scratch, but it’s still easy enough for a busy day.
There are no canned soups here—just a simple homemade cream sauce that comes together quickly and tastes so much better.
It’s also a great way to stretch leftover turkey into a full meal that feels completely different from the original.
Tips for the Best Tetrazzini
Don’t overcook the pasta before baking. It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it helps prevent it from getting too soft.
If your sauce feels too thick, add a little extra broth or milk to loosen it up before baking.
Taste your sauce before combining everything—you can adjust seasoning easily at this stage.
Easy Variations
You can swap turkey for chicken if that’s what you have on hand.
Add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
Use different cheeses depending on what you have—this recipe is very forgiving.
If you like a creamier dish, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave. You may want to add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
This dish also freezes well. Just cool completely, then freeze in portions for easy meals later.
Real-Life Tip
This is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble everything earlier in the day, cover it, and bake it when you’re ready.
It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd or bringing to someone who needs a meal.
Tetrazzini Recipes
For more old fashioned tetrazzini recipes that are delicious, check these out:
Leftover Turkey Recipes
For more leftover turkey ideas, check these out:
