Easy Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe (Lighter Version!)

This Easy Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe is a lighter, twist on the classic casserole-made with tender turkey, pasta, veggies, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce. A great way to use up leftovers!

This simple turkey tetrazzini recipe is creamy, comforting, and the perfect way to use up leftover turkey after a big holiday meal (looking at you, Thanksgiving leftovers). Although truth be told, I love this recipe any time of year.

It's a lighter twist on the classic baked pasta dish, thanks to a few healthy swaps like low-fat yogurt and light cream cheese. But don't worry-it's still got all the cozy, creamy sauce you expect from a good turkey casserole. (Looking for some more easy creamy pasta options? Try my Creamy Pasta With Pancetta And Peas, this Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe, my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, or get my guide for making the BEST Mac And Cheese Bar!)

I've always been a fan of this classic casserole, but since I am making this in the spring, I wanted a version that felt a bit lighter and fresher. (And TBH, I often feel this way after a big Thanksgiving meal too, so this recipe does the job all year long!)

Most traditional tetraziini recipes call for canned cream of mushroom soup and a heavy dose of cream cheese-delicious, but not exactly what I'm going for on a regular weeknight. This version skips the shortcuts and uses yogurt and a little light cream cheese to create a creamy sauce that's still full of flavor, without being too rich or heavy. Plus, it's super easy to pull together - you need just 15 minutes of prep before popping it into the oven to bake.

My whole family devours this easy dish every time I make it, and I love that it contains mostly good-for-you ingredients. 

Key Ingredients

Here are a few of the standout ingredients you should know about for this recipe. (Full list of ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

• Turkey (or chicken). This is one of those great leftover recipes where turkey breast or shredded dark meat both work beautifully. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken (rotisserie chicken is a time saver!) for a quicker weeknight version. I actually used an oven-roasted turkey breast for this recipe and just diced it into small cubes. Go with whatever is easiest for you.
• Plain low-fat yogurt & light cream cheese. These lighten things up without sacrificing that creamy texture. Use plain, regular yogurt, not Greek yogurt, for this recipe (Greek yogurt is too thick). Plain, low-fat yogurt is a healthier alternative to heavy cream or sour cream.
• Parmesan cheese. Use freshly grated parmesan if you can-not the stuff that comes in the green jar, please! The fresh cheese melts better and gives that sharp, salty bite. If you don't have Parmesan cheese on hand, just use what you have - cheddar or mozzarella cheeses will work well.
• Frozen peas and carrots. Frozen peas and carrots make this recipe super easy - no extra washing or chopping needed. Just toss them in. 
• Fresh mushrooms. You can use whatever kind of mushrooms are at the supermarket here. Baby Bella mushrooms are usually widely available and also typically come in a pre-sliced version, which helps if you're looking to save some time. 
• Italian seasoning. Or use spaghetti sauce seasoning-both add big flavor without extra work.

How To Make Homemade Turkey Tetrazzini

This creamy turkey tetrazzini recipe is about as straightforward as it gets. Here's how to do it, and some expert tips to consider when making this recipe:

1. Cook the pasta (less than normal). Cook your spaghetti noodles just shy of al dente-about a minute less than package directions. Since they'll have additional time in the oven, they'll finish cooking there. Undercooking the noodles at the start prevents them from becoming mushy.
2. Sauté the veggies. Use medium heat to sauté onions and mushrooms until soft. Add in peas, carrots, and diced turkey. (If using ground turkey, brown it fully here before moving on.)

3. Make the sauce. Stir in yogurt, milk, broth (turkey broth or chicken stock both work!), and cream cheese. This is your homemade sauce-let it simmer just a touch, until creamy and smooth. (Be sure to stir often to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of your saucepan.)
4. Mix & bake. Combine your pasta and sauce in your baking dish, stir in the Parmesan, and bake until bubbly.

5. Add some extra cheese. Add more Parmesan for that golden crust. If you're looking for a classic crunchy topping, you can also add some bread crumbs or crushed crackers for the last 15 minutes.

Pro tip: If you're short on time, skip the baking step and serve the creamy pasta straight from the stovetop. If you're doing this, you'll just need to cook the noodles for a tad longer so they're al dente when you add them to the rest of the casserole.

What To Serve With Turkey Tetrazzini

This baked pasta dish is filling, so keep your sides simple:

• Garlic bread. Try a toasted baguette with my homemade garlic butter for a crispy, buttery bite. (You can also roast elephant garlic and spread it onto the baguette or use it as a dip - delicious!)
• Green beans. Keep it classic with these Roasted Green Beans with Almond and Garlic.
• Simple salad. Balance the creamy sauce with something light like this Chopped Zucchini Salad With Parmesan And Herbs or this Chopped Kale Salad.

Frequently Asked Questions