Description
Turkey Tetrazzini is a comforting baked pasta casserole featuring tender spaghetti, succulent cooked turkey, and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce made with cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk. This classic dish is flavored with Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion, then baked until golden and bubbly—a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
Main
- 4 cups cooked and chopped turkey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Onion & Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in the cream cheese and 1½ cups of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Stir the cooked turkey into the sauce, then add the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Leftover cooked turkey works great in this recipe, making it perfect for using up holiday turkey.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and make serving easier.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan before serving for added flavor and presentation.
