I absolutely love this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe because it takes those leftover turkey bits and turns them into pure comfort food magic. The creamy sauce combined with tender turkey, sweet green peppers, and sharp cheddar cheese makes it an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s just perfect when you want a cozy, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how perfectly the flavors balanced. Whether you’re cleaning out your fridge after a big holiday or just craving a hearty pasta bake, this casserole hits the spot every time – guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: This casserole comes together quickly using pantry staples and leftover turkey, making weeknights stress-free.
- Comforting Creamy Sauce: The combo of cream of mushroom and chicken soups with sour cream creates a luscious, silky sauce your family will adore.
- Great Use for Leftovers: It’s a delicious way to repurpose turkey, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Crowd Pleaser: Sharp cheddar and tender pasta make it a hit at potlucks or family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients harmonize perfectly to give you a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s full of flavor without being fussy. Plus, you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
- Spaghetti: I prefer cooking it just shy of al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
- Green Pepper: Adds a nice pop of freshness and mild crunch; feel free to sauté it if you want a softer bite.
- Turkey: Use chopped or shredded cooked turkey — leftovers work wonders here!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings that earthy depth and creaminess to the sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Balances out the mushroom flavor with a smooth chicken base.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess; I always make sure it’s full fat for richness.
- Milk: Helps thin the sauce to just the right consistency, making it silky without being runny.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star on top—grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor punch.
Variations
I love switching things up with this Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. It keeps the dish exciting and lets you tailor it to your family’s tastes.
- Vegetable Boost: I often throw in mushrooms or peas for extra veggies – they blend beautifully into the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Swap: Sometimes I use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a milder, gooey texture.
- Protein Twist: When turkey’s not around, shredded chicken works just as well and tastes wonderful.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you like a little heat.
How to Make Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly once assembled so your cheese melts beautifully without drying out.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk along with the chopped green pepper and cooked turkey. I find stirring this well before adding the pasta really helps the sauce blend smoothly and infuses the turkey and peppers with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Spaghetti
Next, add your cooked spaghetti to the creamy mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, so every noodle gets coated with sauce—this is where the magic starts to come together. Be sure not to overmix to keep your spaghetti intact and prevent it from getting mushy.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture to a 13×9-inch casserole dish, then sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar evenly over the top. Cover it tightly with foil to keep the moisture in. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling happily.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: I learned that slightly undercooking the spaghetti keeps it from getting too soft after baking.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the casserole tightly traps steam, keeping everything moist and cheesy.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Fresh cheese melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients together to keep spaghetti strands intact for a nicer texture.
How to Serve Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or even some chopped fresh parsley on top after baking for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of cracked black pepper brings out the cheese and turkey beautifully, too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads or steamed green beans. I often serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I make individual ramekin-size portions for a fancy presentation. Lining a big casserole dish with fresh herbs underneath before baking gives a visual and aromatic lift that thrills guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When covered well, the casserole retains its creaminess without drying out, although the pasta might soak up a bit more sauce overnight.
Freezing
This casserole freezes really well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps keep the creamy texture and melts the cheese back to its gooey perfection – way better than microwaving!
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe without leftover turkey?
Absolutely! While leftover turkey is perfect here, you can easily substitute cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken. The creamy sauce will complement any cooked poultry well.
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What’s the best way to cook the spaghetti for this casserole?
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite. This prevents it from getting mushy during baking when it soaks up the sauce.
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Can I use homemade cream soups instead of canned?
Yes! Homemade cream of mushroom and chicken soups will make the sauce even richer and fresher. Just make sure they’re thick enough to hold the casserole together well.
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Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and swap canned soups with gluten-free versions or homemade alternatives. That way, you can enjoy the same creamy, comforting casserole without gluten worries.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort dishes, especially after the holidays. It’s easy, forgiving, and just downright delicious—no wonder my family goes crazy for it every time I make it. I’m excited for you to give it a try and discover how effortless it is to turn simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious meal. Cooked spaghetti is mixed with tender turkey, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, sour cream, green peppers, and milk, then baked under a bubbly layer of sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy, this recipe combines rich flavors with simple preparation.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti (cooked)
- 1 Green Pepper (chopped)
- 2 lbs Turkey (chopped or shredded)
- 10 1/2 oz Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can)
- 10 1/2 oz Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can)
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Soups and Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, chopped green pepper, and shredded turkey. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all components are well blended.
- Add Cooked Spaghetti: Incorporate the cooked spaghetti noodles into the soup and turkey mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a 13×9 inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, indicating the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- This recipe is ideal for using leftover holiday turkey, offering a creamy and flavorful way to reinvent your meal.
- Be sure to cover tightly with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning during baking.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses if you prefer a milder or different flavor profile.
- You can add mushrooms or other vegetables to increase the dish’s nutrition and texture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier and to let flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 459 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
