If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, hearty, and absolutely crave-worthy casserole, you’ll want to stick around for this one. I’m so excited to share my Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake Recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth, savory richness, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Trust me, once you try this creamy, cheesy, mushroomy, turkey-packed goodness, it might just become your go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Creaminess: The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and butter creates a luscious sauce that’s rich without being overpowering.
Perfect Texture: Using panko breadcrumbs for the topping adds a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.
Great Use of Leftover Turkey: This recipe transforms everyday cooked turkey into a star dish, almost like magic.
Flavor Depth: Adding dry sherry and fresh thyme enhances the dish with subtle, sophisticated layers of flavor.

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake, Turkey Tetrazzini casserole, easy Turkey Tetrazzini, comforting pasta bake, cheesy turkey casserole - A white baking dish filled with creamy spaghetti casserole topped with a golden brown crumb layer that has small green herb pieces sprinkled on it; a woman's hand holds a metal serving spoon lifting a portion showing soft spaghetti noodles mixed with white cream sauce, green peas, and sliced mushrooms, all nestled in the middle of the dish; the white marbled surface beneath adds a clean contrast to the warm colors of the casserole, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love that this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake Recipe uses ingredients you probably have or can easily find, and they all work in harmony to create that classic creamy, savory flavor and texture we adore. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key players:

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake, Turkey Tetrazzini casserole, easy Turkey Tetrazzini, comforting pasta bake, cheesy turkey casserole - Flat lay of six tablespoons of unsalted butter in two small white ceramic bowls, a white ceramic bowl with sliced fresh cremini mushrooms, a white ceramic bowl with chopped pale shallots, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small pile of fresh thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of dry sherry, a small heap of ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green frozen peas, a neat pile of shredded cooked turkey breast, a small white ceramic bowl with chopped Italian parsley, a bundle of dry linguine snapped in half, a small white ceramic bowl of unseasoned panko breadcrumbs, and a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for the sauce and helps cook the mushrooms perfectly without overpowering saltiness.
Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor deepens the dish and develops that characteristic mushroomy goodness when sautéed.
Shallots or onion: Adds gentle sweetness and complexity, layering flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Just enough for aroma and bite without overwhelming the palate.
Fresh thyme: Brings a subtle herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with turkey and mushrooms.
All-purpose flour: The secret to thickening your creamy sauce to just the right consistency.
Chicken broth or stock: Adds savory depth; I always recommend tasting as saltiness varies by brand.
Whole milk and heavy cream: Together, they make the sauce ultra-silky and indulgent.
Dry sherry: This little splash adds an amazing layer of warmth and complexity—don’t skip it!
Parmigiano Reggiano: The star cheese that brings umami and a nutty finish.
Frozen peas: A pop of color and freshness that livens up every forkful.
Cooked turkey breast: Your main protein superstar; leftover turkey or rotisserie turkey work beautifully here.
Italian parsley: Adds fresh herbiness and brightness to finish the dish.
Dry linguine or spaghetti: Broken in half for easier baking and scooping; noodles that hold sauce well.
Breadcrumb topping ingredients (Panko, butter, Parmigiano): Crispy, cheesy topping that’s pure comfort food heaven.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this creamy turkey tetrazzini bake recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to make it a bit lighter or dial up the flavors, it’s a flexible canvas. Feel free to get creative or tweak it based on what you have on hand.

Vegetable Variations: I sometimes swap frozen peas for fresh spinach or add diced roasted red peppers for extra color and sweetness.
Cheese Swaps: If you want a sharper bite, try mixing in some aged cheddar or Gruyère along with the Parmesan.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for the sauce; it works wonderfully.
Protein Switch: I’ve made this with leftover cooked chicken too—turkey isn’t the only bird that shines here!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Base and Pasta

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and butter your casserole dish so the bake doesn’t stick. Next, cook your pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until it’s just al dente. That’s key because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare that dreamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced cremini mushrooms with a bit of salt and pepper and let them cook down until their moisture mostly evaporates—about 5 minutes. That step is crucial to avoid a soggy bake later. Then, add your shallots (or onions) and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until everything browns slightly. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute—just until those gorgeous smells fill your kitchen. Remove this mixture and set it aside; it’ll make your sauce sing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Now, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in that same pot. Stir in the flour and cook it for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste. Then whisk in chicken stock, whole milk, heavy cream, a splash of dry sherry, a pinch of ground nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking on medium heat until the sauce thickens, looks glossy, and coats the back of your spoon—about 5 minutes. Stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano until smooth and then fold in the sautéed mushrooms, peas, shredded turkey, and chopped parsley. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Top, and Bake

Toss your cooked pasta into the sauce so every strand is coated in that rich mixture, then pour everything into your prepared casserole dish. For the topping, mix melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle it evenly over the pasta. Baking is where the magic happens—place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for about 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crunchy, and the sauce bubbles up deliciously. Keep an eye around the 15-minute mark to prevent burning; foil comes in handy if things brown too fast.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes so the sauce thickens up beautifully. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish, and dig in while it’s warm and comforting.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Pasta should be al dente before baking since it finishes cooking in the oven; soggy pasta is nobody’s friend.
Watch Your Breadcrumbs: Panko can brown fast under high heat; tent foil over the dish if they’re getting too dark before the bake is done.
Taste Your Sauce: Salt levels vary by broth brand; tasting before baking ensures your dish isn’t bland or too salty.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme make a noticeable difference in freshness and brightness.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake Recipe

Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake, Turkey Tetrazzini casserole, easy Turkey Tetrazzini, comforting pasta bake, cheesy turkey casserole - The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy spaghetti casserole topped with a golden brown breadcrumb crust and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Inside the dish, there are visible green peas and slices of dark mushrooms mixed with the creamy pasta. Two servings of the casserole have been plated separately on white round plates, each layered with creamy white sauce spaghetti, green peas, and mushrooms, and garnished with crumbs and herbs. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests on the main plate. The setting is on a rustic wooden table with a gray and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with chopped fresh Italian parsley right on top for that lovely green pop and fresh herb aroma. Sometimes, I add a little extra grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top right after baking for that cheesy finish that melts perfectly into the warm topping.

Side Dishes

This creamy bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also bring a nice balance and pop of color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in little ramekins topped with the breadcrumb crust—everyone loves having their own personal, fancy-looking bake. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or fresh microgreens on top for an upscale touch that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover tetrazzini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s still delicious cold, but reheating gently helps bring back that creamy, comforting vibe.

Freezing

This dish freezes great! I recommend assembling the casserole, then wrapping it tightly with foil before freezing. When ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen—add extra baking time and tent foil to keep the topping from burning.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven to keep moisture in. I usually sprinkle a little extra cheese on top halfway through reheating to freshen up the dish’s flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this creamy turkey tetrazzini bake recipe. Just shred or chop it similarly to turkey, and you’ll get that comforting, cheesy pasta bake with equally delicious results.
Is it okay to skip the dry sherry?

Yes, you can omit the dry sherry if you prefer or don’t have it on hand. It adds a nice depth of flavor, but the sauce is still wonderfully creamy and flavorful without it. For a non-alcoholic alternative, a splash of white grape juice or apple cider vinegar can add brightness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the entire casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when reheating from cold. It’s a great dish to prep for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

I recommend dry linguine or spaghetti broken in half for easy baking and serving. These noodles hold the sauce nicely and create the classic tetrazzini texture. Avoid very thin or delicate pasta that might get mushy.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Keep a close eye on the casserole about halfway through baking (around 15 minutes). If the breadcrumbs are browning too fast, tent a sheet of foil loosely over the top to protect it while the sauce continues to bubble and heat through.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Bake Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels homey and a little bit fancy all at once. The way the creamy sauce wraps around tender turkey and noodles, topped with a crunchy golden crust, just makes me feel like everything’s going to be alright. If you try this recipe, you’ll see how easy it is to create something truly satisfying with simple ingredients and a little love. So, invite some friends or family over, or just treat yourself to a big dish of this cozy classic—you deserve it!