Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini

Spaghetti and leftover turkey baked in a creamy mushroom and Parmesan sauce with peas under a golden crumb topping. The best use for the day-after turkey. Serves 8.

High-proteinNo added sugarFreezer-friendly

Contains: milk, wheat. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 20 min
  • Cook 45 min
  • Total 1 hr 5 min
  • Yield 8 servings
  • Level Easy

Updated

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Tips | Questions | Nutrition | Storage | Print recipe

Baking dish of turkey tetrazzini with a golden crumb top and a serving on a plate

Turkey tetrazzini is the classic way to turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a whole new dinner. Spaghetti and chunks of turkey are folded into a creamy mushroom sauce with a little sherry and Parmesan, then baked under buttery crumbs.

It assembles quickly and freezes beautifully, so it is worth making a double batch.

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Heat the oven to 375°F and butter a 9 x 13-inch dish. Cook the spaghetti 2 minutes short of al dente and drain.
  2. Make the sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large pot and cook the mushrooms and onion 8 minutes. Stir in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the broth, milk and sherry. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Combine. Fold in the spaghetti, turkey and peas and spread in the baking dish.
  4. Top and bake. Melt the remaining butter, toss with the panko and remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

450Calories
46 gCarbohydrates
3 gFiber
43 gNet carbs
32 gProtein
15 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

High-proteinNo added sugar

Tips

  • To freeze: cool it quickly, pack it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to 165°F.
  • Cooked chicken works the same way.
  • To freeze, assemble without the topping, wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months; thaw, add the topping and bake.

Having trouble? See why chicken turns out dry in our kitchen troubleshooting guide.

Printable: safe cooking temperatures chart (PDF).

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead Freezer-friendly

To freeze, assemble without the topping, wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months; thaw, add the topping and bake. Refrigerate baked leftovers up to 4 days and reheat covered at 350°F.

Questions about this recipe

What is tetrazzini?
A creamy baked pasta of poultry, mushrooms and Parmesan, named for the opera singer Luisa Tetrazzini.
Can I leave out the sherry?
Yes; add an extra splash of broth.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. Wine pairing guide

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