Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini
Buttery mushrooms, leftover turkey and spaghetti folded into a sherry cream sauce — the post-Thanksgiving bake worth planning for.
In a nutshell: This authentic american creamy turkey tetrazzini comes together in just 55 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: a hot pan and patience give them meaty flavour; a crowded pan just makes them soggy. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Creamy turkey tetrazzini: leftover turkey, mushrooms and spaghetti in a sherry cream sauce under a golden crumb. The best Thanksgiving leftover bake.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Large saucepan
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Brown, do not steam, the mushrooms: a hot pan and patience give them meaty flavour; a crowded pan just makes them soggy.
- Sherry is the signature note: it adds the nutty depth that separates tetrazzini from ordinary cream pasta — do not skip it, but a splash of white wine works in a pinch.
- Sauce it generously: the pasta drinks up sauce in the oven, so the mixture should look slightly loose before baking, never dry.
Ingredients
8
servings
-
12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
-
3 tbsp butter, divided, plus more for the dish
-
12 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
-
1 yellow onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
¼ cup dry sherry
-
¼ cup all-purpose flour
-
2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
-
4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
-
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
-
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
-
1 tsp kosher salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the spaghetti in salted water for 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain and set aside — it will finish in the oven.
Brown the Mushrooms
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the mushrooms undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, then add the onion and cook 4 minutes more. Stir in the garlic and sherry and simmer until the sherry has mostly evaporated.
Make the Cream Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the remaining butter, whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the broth and cream and simmer 4-5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Assemble
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Fold the spaghetti, mushroom mixture, peas, turkey and half the Parmesan into the sauce. Pour into the dish and top with the remaining Parmesan tossed with the panko.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top and bubbling at the edges. Rest 10 minutes, scatter with parsley, and serve.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes — cooked chicken works exactly the same way, which makes this a great year-round recipe, not just a Thanksgiving leftover rescue.
Yes — assemble up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake, adding 10-15 minutes. Add the panko topping just before baking for the crispest crust.
Yes — freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Peas are classic, but sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted red peppers all fold in beautifully. Keep the total additions to about 1 cup so the sauce stays creamy.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Sage Brown Butter Breadcrumbs
This Pinterest-viral Pumpkin Mac and Cheese takes everyone's favorite comfort food to seasonal perfection.
View Recipe
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
A rich meat-free pasta loaded with garlic mushrooms in a silky cream sauce.
View Recipe
Creamy Cabbage Alfredo
Creamy cabbage alfredo: tender cabbage ribbons and fettuccine in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.
View Recipe