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Creamy Turkey Pasta Bake

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

Transform turkey leftovers into a creamy spaghetti casserole with mushrooms, crispy breadcrumbs, and parmesan. A cozy dinner idea!
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 13:10:47 GMT
A creamy casserole with mushrooms, peas, and breadcrumb topping in a dish. Pin it
A creamy casserole with mushrooms, peas, and breadcrumb topping in a dish. | tasteofsavor.com

I’ve got a clever trick for turning holiday leftover turkey into something everyone’s excited for. This Turkey Tetrazzini is the best part of post-Thanksgiving for me. Can’t believe how those extra slices turn into the coziest, creamiest bake—my crew asks for it more than the feast itself!

Irresistible Turkey Tetrazzini Joy

What I really dig is how you can tweak this however you want. Got chicken from Sunday or turkey from Thursday? Either works like a charm. The rich, smooth sauce clings to every bit of spaghetti so you end up with super comforting bites. It’s an all-star casserole for a reason.

Main Players in Turkey Tetrazzini

  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Trust me, you need these up top for extra crunch.
  • Frozen Peas: They’re pretty and add a sweet snap every time.
  • Cheddar and Parmesan: Double cheese action brings big flavor.
  • Heavy Cream and Broth: This combo makes everything velvety.
  • White Wine: Just a splash turns up the taste.
  • Butter and Garlic: The start of everything tasty here.
  • Mushrooms: I use baby bellas, but anything you have works.
  • Spaghetti: Don’t overcook it since it keeps baking later.

How To Whip This Up

Bake to Golden
Slide your dish into the oven and get excited for that amazing smell.
Cheesy Crunch on Top
Sprinkle on plenty of panko and parmesan so you get a nice, crisp layer.
Toss It All Together
This is the fun part—mix it all up so the sauce gets everywhere.
Smooth Sauce Time
Just keep whisking until your roux is super silky and lump-free.
Mushrooms Sizzle
Let mushrooms hang out with butter, garlic, and wine—they’ll drink up all those flavors.
Pasta First
Start by boiling spaghetti and keep it firm so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.

Top Tricks

  • Best Crunch: Can’t skip the panko. That golden topping makes the whole thing.
  • No Turkey? Ham or chicken jump in just fine.
  • Savior Sauce: If your turkey’s dry, don’t worry—the creamy sauce fixes it.

Stay Tasty

Pop leftovers in the fridge and they’ll be fine for a few days. When you want more, just reheat gently in either the oven or microwave. The creamy sauce holds up beautifully!

Awesome Add-Ons

This is a meal by itself, but I always put a fresh green salad alongside it for some crunch. Any holiday leftovers mix in great too. Honestly? Day-after tastes even better every time!

Creamy noodles with a crunchy, golden topping and peas sprinkled on top. Pin it
Creamy noodles with a crunchy, golden topping and peas sprinkled on top. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish early?
Absolutely! Assemble and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add breadcrumbs right before baking.
→ Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze before baking. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
→ Can I swap out the spaghetti?
Of course! You can try fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you like.
→ What can I use instead of wine?
Replace the wine with extra chicken broth or a splash of white wine vinegar for a similar kick.
→ Can chicken replace turkey?
Definitely! Swap in cooked chicken with the same amount as the recipe calls for turkey.

Turkey Pasta Bake

Leftover turkey, mushrooms, and spaghetti come together in a creamy casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs. A great way to use holiday extras!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole (13x9-inch))

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Nonstick spray.
02 Salt, kosher style.
03 1 pound of uncooked spaghetti.
04 6 tablespoons butter (unsalted), split.
05 2 minced garlic cloves.
06 1 pound sliced cremini mushrooms.
07 1/2 cup of dry white wine.
08 1/4 cup plain flour.
09 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth (low sodium).
10 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.
11 Cracked black pepper.
12 2 pounds diced cooked turkey (roughly 5 cups).
13 1 cup frozen green peas.
14 1 cup of white cheddar, shredded.
15 1 teaspoon oregano, dried.
16 1 cup Japanese breadcrumbs (panko).
17 1/2 cup Parmesan, finely shredded.
18 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin).

Instructions

Step 01

Turn the oven to 350°F and spray a 13x9-inch dish to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Prepare spaghetti in salted boiling water till it has a little chew. Drain it after.

Step 03

In 2 tablespoons of butter, cook mushrooms, garlic, and wine until softened.

Step 04

Stir the rest of the butter and flour together until lightly browned. Slowly mix in cream and broth to thicken.

Step 05

Combine turkey, peas, shredded cheese, oregano, and pasta with the sauce. Transfer into the dish.

Step 06

Stir together Parmesan, oil, and crumbs, then spread over the casserole.

Step 07

Pop it in the oven for 25 minutes or until the top looks golden and bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes to settle.

Notes

  1. Perfect for leftover turkey!
  2. You can prep it ahead of time.
  3. Freezer-friendly for later meals.

Tools You'll Need

  • Square 13x9-inch dish.
  • A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven.
  • Large boiling pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese, butter, cream).
  • Contains wheat (breadcrumbs, flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 42 g