Turkey tetrazzini is a baked pasta casserole of leftover turkey, noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce. It is one of the better next-day uses for cooked turkey when you are tired of slices and gravy. Use leftovers that were refrigerated promptly, and reheat the finished casserole to 165°F. See the Thanksgiving guide, Thanksgiving mains, diets and leftovers, how long Thanksgiving leftovers last, and how to reheat leftover turkey.
Make a creamy sauce and fold in the turkey
Cook about 12 ounces of egg noodles or spaghetti until just shy of tender, then drain. In a skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms and a little onion in butter, sprinkle with flour, and whisk in 2 to 3 cups of milk or turkey stock until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like. Off the heat, stir in a splash of cream or a handful of Parmesan, then fold in 3 to 4 cups of chopped leftover turkey and the noodles. This is a different dish from leftover stuffing or a leftover turkey sandwich.
Bake until bubbling, then store safely
Spread the mixture in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, top with a little more cheese or buttered crumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 25 to 35 minutes, until it is bubbling and the top is golden. USDA leftover guidance is to use cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, refrigerate it within 2 hours of the first meal, and reheat leftovers to 165°F. Related: turkey pot pie with leftovers and turkey noodle soup.
Swaps if you are short on an ingredient
If you do not have mushrooms, a sauce made with leftover gravy and a little extra milk still works, as long as the gravy was refrigerated safely. Cooked spaghetti, linguine, or even leftover plain noodles can stand in for egg noodles. A handful of frozen peas stirred in before baking adds color. If you are short on turkey, mix in a little leftover ham, but keep the same 165°F reheating rule. The casserole can sit at room temperature only as long as other leftovers: 2 hours, then it goes back in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings until they are steaming hot all the way through.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make turkey tetrazzini with leftover turkey?
Yes. That is the usual reason to make it. Use turkey that was refrigerated within 2 hours and is still within 3 to 4 days of the original meal.
Can I assemble turkey tetrazzini ahead?
You can assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Add a few minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold, and heat it to 165°F.
Can I freeze turkey tetrazzini?
Yes. Cool it, wrap it well, and freeze it for best quality within 2 to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then reheat to 165°F.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A 9-by-13-inch dish is the usual size for this casserole, and the lid helps with leftovers.
- HVH 9×13 Ceramic Baking Dish Set — A ceramic dish browns the top well and goes from oven to table.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk — A whisk helps you make a smooth cream sauce before you fold in the turkey and noodles.
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, 4-Pack — Handy for freezing leftover portions after the casserole has cooled.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.