Name: Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 8 ounces garlic-flavored spreadable cream cheese; 1 ⅓ cups half and half (or light cream); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups cooked chopped turkey; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that transforms leftover turkey into something spectacular, you’ve got to try this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender turkey chunks meld with the rich, dreamy mushroom and cheese sauce, all wrapped up in perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a family favorite in my house.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a Casserole: This dish brings leftover turkey to life with a luscious creamy sauce that everyone will devour.
Easy Weeknight Winner: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this on the table in about an hour.
Customizable Flavors: Mushrooms and cheese pair beautifully with turkey, but you can easily tweak it to suit your pantry and tastes.
Impress Without Stress: Perfect for family dinners, this recipe looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

A dark bowl filled with a creamy white pasta dish layered with tender white chicken pieces and finely chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. The pasta strands are coated in a rich white sauce that looks thick and smooth. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a silver fork lying nearby on a white marbled background. In the background, there is a white baking dish filled with more of the creamy pasta, slightly blurred. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe really comes from the harmony of ingredients—each one playing its role to build that creamy, flavorful sauce with hearty turkey and melty cheeses. I always recommend using good-quality chicken broth and fresh mushrooms to really elevate the dish.

Spaghetti: I like regular spaghetti for this recipe, but you can swap in any long pasta you have on hand, like linguine or fettuccine.
Salted Butter: This adds richness when sauteing the onions and mushrooms, don’t skip it here!
Onion: Yellow or white onions both work, just dice them finely to melt into the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a subtle kick and depth of flavor—never use pre-minced from a jar for this one.
Mushrooms: I often use cremini or white button mushrooms; slicing them thin helps them cook quickly and absorb all those sauce flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the thickening agent for your sauce, so stir it in well with the butter and veggies to avoid lumps.
Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth: Using reduced sodium helps you control the salt level in the final dish better.
Garlic-Flavor Spreadable Cream Cheese: This is my secret for extra creaminess and a subtle tang that makes the sauce so luscious.
Half and Half (or Light Cream): Adds smooth richness without being too heavy—feel free to substitute with full cream if you want it even richer.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste; seasoning as you go is key for balanced flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and added at the end, it brightens up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings all the flavors together and gives this dish that classic Italian-American feel.
Cooked Chopped Turkey: Leftover turkey works perfectly here—you’ll find that the flavors soak into the sauce and pasta wonderfully.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Divided for mixing in and topping—this gives you that melty, gooey texture we all crave.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top before the final bake for a golden, flavorful crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe, especially depending on what I have in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll be surprised how well it handles swaps and additions!

Vegetarian Version: When I first tried making this without turkey, I simply doubled the mushrooms and tossed in some sautéed zucchini and spinach—just as delicious and creamy!
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gave it a nice warmth that my kids surprisingly adored.
Cheese Variations: Sometimes I like to swap half the mozzarella with sharp provolone or fontina for a richer flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce—works beautifully if you need it.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook Your Pasta

Start by simmering your spaghetti in boiling salted water until just al dente—you want it firm to the bite since it’ll cook more in the oven. I recommend setting a timer and tasting a strand a minute or two before the package suggests; overcooked pasta will turn mushy when baked.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Sauce Base

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Then toss in your sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes until they’ve softened and released their earthy juices.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce and Add Creaminess

Sprinkle the flour over your veggie mixture and stir constantly for a full minute. This step is essential to cook out the raw flour taste and give you a smooth roux foundation. Now pour in the chicken broth and half and half all at once, stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles—about 3-5 minutes.

Turn the heat to low and stir in the garlic-flavored cream cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. This little addition is what makes this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe so irresistibly silky. Add chopped parsley and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Layer

Drain your pasta and toss it gently with the turkey, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and the creamy mushroom sauce. Once evenly mixed, pour this comforting mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Top your casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until golden, bubbly, and inviting.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Leaving your spaghetti slightly firm helps it hold its shape during baking and keeps the texture perfect.
Cream Cheese Trick: Use garlic-flavored cream cheese if you can—it adds a subtle depth that plain cream cheese just can’t match.
Mushrooms for Moisture: Sautéing mushrooms releases moisture that helps keep the sauce from getting dry, so don’t skip this step.
Layering Cheese: Dividing mozzarella between the mix and topping ensures gooey cheese inside with a beautiful melted crust on top.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe

A close-up of a white plate with creamy pasta being lifted by a spoon. The dish has white cheese strings stretching from the plate to the spoon. The creamy sauce is light beige with chunks of mushrooms and pieces of white meat mixed in. There are small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and inside the sauce. The background and surface are white marbled. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or even some chopped chives on top right before serving. It adds a fresh color pop and a gentle brightness that balances the richness. A few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of truffle oil can also elevate it beautifully if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess, or steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest and olive oil. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the tetrazzini well, making it a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in small individual ramekins topped with a parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs for crunch. It’s always a hit when the presentation feels a little elevated but the recipe stays comforting and familiar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion the casserole into airtight containers to save space and maintain freshness. What I love is that the flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake covered at 350°F for about an hour, then uncover and bake until bubbly and golden. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep moisture, for about 20 minutes, then uncover for 5 more minutes to restore that melty cheese top. You can also microwave single servings covered, but the oven really helps preserve texture best.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover turkey in this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! You can cook and chop fresh turkey breast or thighs first, then add it to the dish. Just be mindful to cook the turkey fully and dice it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I skip it?

You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of heavy cream or sour cream for a creamy texture, but the flavor and thickness won’t be quite the same. Cream cheese adds a tangy richness that’s hard to replicate perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just switch out the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Be sure to check that your chicken broth and seasonings are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
Is there a way to add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, peas, or even roasted red peppers. I’ve found that stirring in some frozen peas right before mixing everything together gives a nice pop of color and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the dish that revived my leftover turkey blues and turned them into excitement. It’s incredibly satisfying, packs comforting flavors, and the cheese topping always gets everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!