If you’re like me, nothing beats a cozy, creamy casserole to make the evening feel just a bit more special. That’s exactly why I love this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe—it’s rich, comforting, and perfect for using up leftover turkey in a way that feels totally indulgent yet utterly simple. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how everything came together with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. You’ll find it’s a breeze to whip up, especially on busy weeknights or after holidays when you’ve got turkey to spare.
What makes this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe stand out is how it balances creamy soups, sharp cheddar, and tender turkey with spaghetti noodles, creating a one-dish meal that’s an instant crowd-pleaser. My family goes crazy for it—whether I’m serving it straight from the oven or reheating the leftovers the next day. Plus, it’s flexible enough for you to tweak with whatever veggies or cheeses you prefer, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: It comes together with simple ingredients yet feels indulgent and ultra-creamy.
- Great for Leftovers: Perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a tasty new dinner everyone will ask for again.
- Family Friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy topping make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different cheeses, veggies, or pasta shapes based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create that signature creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole. I’ve found that using good-quality canned soups and sharp cheddar really elevates the flavor without complicating the process.
- Spaghetti: Classic long noodles work perfectly here, but you could swap in linguine or even penne for a fun twist.
- Green Pepper: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness—feel free to sauté it first if you prefer it softer.
- Turkey: Leftover cooked turkey is ideal, chopped or shredded so it blends easily into the creamy sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Gives richness and a lovely umami depth.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy silkiness to balance the mushrooms.
- Sour Cream: I love how it brings tang and extra creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Milk: Helps loosen the sauce so everything mixes smoothly.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Strong and melty—this cheese is a must for that irresistible topping.
Variations
I like to keep this recipe flexible because sometimes I have extra ingredients on hand or different dietary preferences to cater to. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—you’ll be surprised how versatile it is!
- Use Different Cheeses: I’ve swapped in mozzarella or a blend of Parmesan and cheddar for a different cheesy vibe, which always impresses guests.
- Add Mushrooms: Toss in sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness—my family digs this variation.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Just swap spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and you’ve got the same creamy result without the wheat.
- Swap the Green Pepper: If you’re not a fan, try diced celery or zucchini for a different crunch and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Bakeware
To keep things moving smoothly, start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9 baking dish and give it a quick spray or rub with butter so the casserole doesn’t stick later on. I usually use foil to cover it tightly during baking, which helps keep everything nice and moist.
Step 2: Mix Your Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—that’s going to be the heart of your sauce. Then, toss in the chopped green pepper and turkey, mixing gently so the turkey pieces stay tender but well coated.
Step 3: Add the Cooked Spaghetti and Combine
Now, add your cooked spaghetti noodles to the bowl. I find it’s easiest if the noodles are slightly warm so they absorb some sauce and don’t clump up. Stir everything carefully to make sure the pasta, turkey, and veggies are evenly distributed in the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Beautiful
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese generously on top—don’t be shy here; the cheesy crust is half the joy! Cover the pan tightly with foil to prevent dryness, then bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese has melted, the casserole is bubbly, and you can see golden spots forming on the edges.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti slightly under al dente—this keeps noodles from getting mushy when baked.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: I learned sharp cheddar melts better and adds a much richer flavor than mild cheese.
- Cover While Baking: Keeping it covered traps moisture, ensuring a creamy interior and topping that melts beautifully.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
How to Serve Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of paprika on top before serving—adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness. Sometimes, I throw on some crispy fried onions for extra texture; my kids love that little crunchy surprise.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted carrots or steamed broccoli also make great, colorful sides that my family always appreciates.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or gatherings, I like serving the tetrazzini in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs and fresh herbs. It feels fancy but is still super comforting—and everyone loves their own personal dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers and usually keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce keeps everything moist, so it reheats beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats nicely, though I recommend covering with foil during baking to keep the cheese from browning too much.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes covered with foil, then uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want to refresh that melty cheesy top. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the pasta a bit soft, so oven reheating is my go-to.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey in this casserole?
Absolutely! Chicken works just as well and tastes delicious with the creamy sauce and cheese. You can swap in shredded cooked chicken with the same proportions, and the dish will be equally comforting.
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Is there a way to make this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Yes. You can substitute the sour cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese options available in stores. Also, look for dairy-free cream soups or make your own simple sauce to keep it creamy without dairy.
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Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
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What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have canned soups, making a quick homemade creamy sauce with butter, flour, and broth or milk is a great substitute. Season it well with herbs and a bit of mushroom powder or chicken stock to mimic the original flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both nostalgic and practical. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles and full bellies, proving that simple ingredients can create magic when combined with care. If you have leftover turkey or just crave something warm and cheesy, I really encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. This easy recipe combines tender turkey chunks with cooked spaghetti, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, sour cream, milk, and chopped green pepper, all baked under a layer of sharp cheddar cheese until bubbly and melted. A satisfying and family-friendly dish ideal for holiday leftovers or a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti (cooked)
- 1 Green Pepper (chopped)
- 2 lbs Turkey (chopped or shredded)
- 10 1/2 oz Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can)
- 10 1/2 oz Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can)
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Soups and Dairy: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir together until smooth to create the creamy sauce base.
- Add Vegetables and Turkey: Stir in the chopped green pepper and the cooked turkey, mixing well to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the bowl and gently fold everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce and ingredients are well combined.
- Assembly: Transfer the mixture to a 13×9 inch baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- This dish is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover turkey into a new, delicious meal.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Chopped green pepper adds a subtle crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
- Make sure the spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid it becoming too soft during baking.
- Covering the casserole tightly with foil helps keep it moist and prevents the cheese from burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 344
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 459 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
