Discover the joy of making easy Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini with this step-by-step recipe guide – perfect for using leftover Thanksgiving turkey! This is a recipe that will change your leftovers game FOREVER! This same method makes a mean Chicken Tetrazzini using leftover rotisserie!

Have you ever stared at your fridge full of Thanksgiving turkey leftovers and thought, “What now?” Well, prepare to be amazed! This easy recipe for Turkey Tetrazzini transforms your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to make and a ridiculously delicious and creamy casserole. This is among my favorite leftover turkey recipes, and it’s even better the next day after baking. Serve with a green salad and homemade dinner rolls and ooo-la-la!

Little-known fact: the origin of Tetrazzini. Did you know the original Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is named after a famous opera singer of the early 1900s, Luisa Tetrazzini? Well, this is NOT a Southern story in the least! It’s believed to have been invented in San Francisco, a city she adored. Now, it’s your turn to love this dish! Thinking easy chicken dinner instead? Don’t miss my recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll Ups for something just as delicious and easy!

Ingredients for Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini

Use homemade turkey stock for this recipe for turkey tetrazzini casserole if you have a leftover holiday bird. Follow my easy chicken stock method, swapping in the turkey carcass. You’ll have a flavorful stock in about an hour and extra to freeze for later use.

• Whole Wheat Spaghetti – A healthier alternative, providing a lovely texture. For a classic twist, feel free to use egg noodles.
• Cooked Turkey Meat – Both white and dark meat work well, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Chicken can be used as an alternative.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Most Turkey Tetrazzini recipes specify condensed soup as the base of the creamy sauce. Mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can also be used for a different flavor profile.
• Dry Sherry – Possibly the most important ingredient for me flavor-wise; sherry adds a depth no other ingredient, not even dry white wine, can offer.
• Full-Fat Sour Cream – Adds creaminess. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt.
• Garlic Powder, Parsley Flakes, Pepper – These spices bring the dish to life. Adjust according to your taste preferences. Substitute Italian seasoning in a pinch. 
• Turkey Stock – Enhances the turkey flavor. Chicken broth or stock can also be used.
• Ritz Crackers – They are visually appealing and add a crunchy topping. Alternatively, breadcrumbs can be used.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – It brings a salty, nutty flavor. Pre-grated cheese works, too, but fresh is always better!
• Ciliegine Mozzarella Cheese Balls – They melt beautifully, adding gooey goodness. Shredded mozzarella is a great alternative.
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg – Nutmeg and dry sherry complement one another naturally. Combining them kicks this recipe up tenfold and is among my favorite ways to use both ingredients. 

Substitutions and Variations

• Easily swap turkey for leftover rotisserie chicken and a delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole, Tetrazzini style! Who says you have to use turkey??? 
• Add a cup of sliced fresh mushrooms to the mix before baking for a layer of earthy flavor.
• Instead of whole wheat spaghetti, try using other noodles like egg noodles, angel hair pasta, or penne. Keep in mind you must undercook these, too.
• For a variation in flavor and certainly in color, replace the cream of chicken soup with condensed golden mushroom soup. 
• Replace the Ciliegine Mozzarella cheese balls with grated Swiss cheese smoked Gouda for a pronounced smoky flavor in your casserole. If using leftover smoked turkey, this could get very interesting!
• Instead of Ritz crackers, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for a golden, crunchy topping. I’ve also tested this dish using store-bought herb croutons, which is delicious!

Making Turkey Tetrazzini in Advance

The merits of preparing Turkey Tetrazzini ahead of time means you can enjoy a delicious meal without the last-minute rush, perfect for busy schedules and reducing kitchen stress on the day of serving. 

Quick Steps for Advance Preparation:

• Follow the recipe to make the Turkey Tetrazzini, stopping just before the baking step.
• Let the prepared dish cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, ensuring it’s airtight.
• Refrigerate if you plan to bake it within 48 hours. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 2 months.
• When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge or defrost overnight if frozen. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Cook 16 ounces of whole wheat spaghetti in salted water, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes. Remember to save a cup of pasta water before draining. (Image 1)

Step 2. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Crush 10 to 12 Ritz crackers with a meat mallet. (Image 2)

Step 3. Mix with the melted butter in a bowl and set aside. (Image 3)

Step 4. In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 3-4 cups diced turkey, 2 cans cream of chicken soup, 2 cups sour cream, 1/4 cup dry sherry, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, parsley flakes, and sea salt, plus ½ teaspoon each of fresh nutmeg and black pepper. (Image 4)

Step 5. Blend in 1 cup of turkey stock for smoothness. (Image 5)

Step 6. Stir the mixture well so all of the ingredients are well combined, and herbs and spices are distributed. (Image 6)

Step 7. Fold the cooked spaghetti into the turkey mixture. Stir to coat. (Image 7)

Step 8. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a gravy-like consistency or slightly thinner. This starchy water keeps the casserole moist and ensures perfectly al dente pasta. (Image 8)

Step 9. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. (Image 9)

Step 10. Scatter Ciliegine mozzarella halves over the pasta, lightly pressing them into the sauce. Grate Parmesan cheese directly over the dish. (Image 10)

Step 11. Put the casserole dish on a foil-lined baking sheet. (Image 11)

Step 12. Finally, top with the cracker mix for a crispy finish. Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it stand for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. (Image 12)

How To Serve Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini

Presentation

• Plating: Serve Turkey and Noodles Tetrazzini hot, spooned onto plates or in shallow bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch.

Accompaniments

• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the Tetrazzini.
• Vegetables: Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a medley of seasonal veggies complement the creamy pasta well.
• Bread: A side of garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Pairings

Wine Pairing:

• White Wine: Chardonnay, with its buttery notes, pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
• Red Wine: For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir can complement the dish without overwhelming the flavors.

Beer Pairing:

• A Pale Ale or a Pilsner works well with this dish, offering a crisp and refreshing contrast to the creamy and savory flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Additional Creamy Casseroles to Try!