Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Bake (Print View)

A creamy pasta bake featuring turkey, mushrooms, and Parmesan, ideal for a comforting family dinner.

# Components:

→ Poultry

01 - 3 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded

→ Pasta

02 - 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

→ Sauce

07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Topping

16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
18 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
02 - Cook spaghetti or fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, 4 minutes more. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
04 - Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken or turkey broth, followed by whole milk and heavy cream. Simmer gently, stirring often, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
05 - Add grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Fold in diced or shredded turkey, thawed peas, and cooked pasta until mixture is evenly coated with sauce.
07 - Spoon the turkey-pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
08 - In a small mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the surface.
09 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses up leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken so nothing goes to waste
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd and makes great leftovers
  • Kid friendly and freezer friendly
  • Creamy sauce without canned soup
  • Filling and balanced with veggies tucked inside
02 -
  • High protein and comforting
  • Great for make ahead and freezing
  • Adaptable to what you have in the fridge
03 -
  • Undercook your pasta a smidge to keep the texture toothsome after baking
  • Always shred your own Parmesan for better flavor and melt
  • Avoid letting the sauce boil so the dairy does not split
  • I once rushed it and ended up with a gritty casserole patience is everything here