Name: Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup chopped shallots or onion; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; ⅓ cup all purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth or stock; 2 cups whole milk; 1.5 cups heavy cream; 2-3 tablespoons dry sherry; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¾ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano; ¾ cup frozen peas; 3 cups shredded cooked turkey breast; ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley, plus additional for garnish; 12 ounces dry linguine or spaghetti, snapped in half; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup unseasoned Panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano; ¼ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dish that’s bursting with rich flavors and creamy goodness, you’re going to love this Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey or simply enjoy a comforting pasta bake that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a family favorite you turn to time and time again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy, Luscious Sauce: The blend of cream, milk, chicken broth, and a touch of sherry creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Earthy Mushrooms & Tender Turkey: The savory mushroom mixture paired with shredded turkey adds heartiness and layered flavors, making it incredibly satisfying.
Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping: The Panko and Parmesan topping offers a delightful contrast to the creamy interior, giving the dish a lovely texture balance.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to swap out the turkey or adjust seasoning, this recipe is super flexible for your taste preferences.

Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini, turkey pasta bake, comforting pasta casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, leftover turkey recipes - 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

Each ingredient was chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that come together for a memorable Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe. Here’s what you want to know before you shop and start cooking.

Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini, turkey pasta bake, comforting pasta casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, leftover turkey recipes - 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: Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning perfectly, ensuring the sauce isn’t too salty.
Cremini Mushrooms: These add a robust, earthy flavor and meaty texture, making the dish more substantial.
Shallots or Onion: Shallots give a subtle sweetness, but onions work just as well if you prefer a bolder note.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth – make sure it’s finely chopped so it disperses evenly.
Fresh Thyme: The herb’s fresh, slightly lemony taste brightens the richness of the cream sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a smooth roux base, thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Chicken Broth or Stock: Use low-sodium if possible so you can control salt; it brings savory depth without overpowering.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: These two balance richness with creaminess, making the sauce luscious yet not too heavy.
Dry Sherry: Adds a subtle, complex sweetness that enhances mushroom and turkey flavors.
Nutmeg: Just a hint warms the sauce beautifully – don’t skip it!
Parmigiano Reggiano: Authentic Parmesan lends a salty, nutty finish that makes this dish shine.
Frozen Peas: They add pops of color and a touch of sweetness that helps brighten the whole bake.
Cooked Turkey Breast: Leftover turkey works great here, bringing protein and heartiness.
Italian Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal lift inside the dish and as a garnish.
Linguine or Spaghetti: These long noodles hold the sauce well; snapping them in half makes serving easier.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that essential crunchy topping — don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs or you’ll miss the texture.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

No two kitchens are the same, so I always encourage you to make this Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe your own. Small tweaks can turn it from great to unforgettable depending on what you like or have on hand.

Vegetarian Variation: Skip the turkey and add extra mushrooms or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
Wine Swap: If you don’t have dry sherry, a splash of dry white wine works well for a similar brightness.
Herb Boost: Try adding a bit of fresh sage or rosemary alongside thyme for an autumnal twist I adore.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta to keep it friendly for gluten intolerant friends.
Extra Cheesy: Toss in mozzarella or Gruyère if you want the cheese factor to go over the top delicious.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms to Perfection

Start by melting just a bit of butter in a hot pan until it’s foaming gently, then toss in your sliced cremini mushrooms with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook them down until they release their moisture and start to brown—about 5 minutes. This deep browning caramelizes their flavor and creates that earthy foundation that makes the dish sing. Don’t rush this step, and avoid overcrowding the pan so the mushrooms brown instead of steam.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Shallots, Garlic, and Thyme

Once mushrooms are golden, add chopped shallots (or onion) and cook for another few minutes until soft. Then stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme—cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. This trio layers in sweetness, aroma, and herbal brightness that balances the richness coming later.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Remove the mushroom mixture from the pan, then melt more butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Let it cook briefly (1-2 minutes) to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in your broth, milk, cream, sherry, nutmeg, and seasoning. Keep whisking gently over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in grated Parmesan until silky smooth. This sauce is the heart of your tetrazzini, so don’t rush it—patience pays off here.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Fold the sautéed mushrooms back into the sauce with frozen peas, shredded turkey, and chopped parsley. Taste it and adjust salt and pepper as needed—you want a rich but balanced flavor. Then gently stir in al dente pasta, turning everything until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish for baking.

Step 5: Top and Bake to Golden Glory

Mix melted butter with Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and pepper, then sprinkle evenly over your tetrazzini. Baking at 400°F for about 25 minutes crisps that topping up perfectly while the sauce bubbles underneath. Keep an eye around 15 minutes to prevent over-browning; a foil tent helps if needed. After baking, let it rest so the sauce thickens up beautifully before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe

Quality Mushrooms: Choosing cremini over white button mushrooms gives a deeper flavor that’s well worth the small price difference.
Watching the Roux: Don’t brown your butter-flour mixture too much; it should stay pale for a smooth sauce that’s not grainy.
Pasta Cooking: Slightly undercook the pasta — it’ll finish cooking in the oven and absorb all those flavors without getting mushy.
Breadcrumb Browning: If your topping is browning too fast, tent it with foil to prevent burning while the casserole fully cooks.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe

Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini, turkey pasta bake, comforting pasta casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, leftover turkey recipes - 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 always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley. It adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes a few shavings of extra Parmigiano Reggiano on top right before serving add that perfect salty pop too.

Side Dishes

This tetrazzini pairs beautifully with simple, crisp sides. My go-to’s are a green salad with vinaigrette for brightness or roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic. For a cozy meal, steamed green beans or garlic sautéed spinach add a lovely contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of thyme or parsley for a pretty touch. You can also garnish with thinly sliced toasted mushrooms or even a drizzle of truffle oil if you want to make it extra decadent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely, making it great for batch cooking. Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe dish before baking or after — just cover well to avoid freezer burn. It stays good for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm individual servings in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. The sauce thickens nicely again, and the topping stays somewhat crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe with chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken works just as well and pairs perfectly with the creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a great way to use up leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or a blend of almond milk and dairy-free cream substitutes. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy hint.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough for the tetrazzini?

The sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the back of a spoon. When you run your finger across it, the line should stay clear without the sauce running back. This ensures it’s rich enough to cling to the noodles without being watery.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the tetrazzini, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through.
What’s the best way to prevent the breadcrumb topping from burning?

Keep an eye on your casserole around the 15-minute mark while baking. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the bake. This balances browning without losing the crunchy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s one of those timeless dishes that feels both fancy and homey at once. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that comforts and satisfies. I hope you find as much joy making and eating it as I do sharing it with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to pasta bake!