Turn your holiday leftovers into comforting dinner—this creamy leftover turkey pasta recipe is cozy, simple to make, and perfect for using up Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.
Every holiday season I face the same question: what to do with all that leftover turkey? This creamy baked pasta casserole has become my favorite solution. It’s comforting, forgiving, and a great way to move past turkey sandwiches. It comes together quickly with pantry staples and bakes into a rich, cheesy dish the whole family enjoys.
Ingredients you’ll need for this quick & easy leftover turkey pasta recipe
Below is a list of the ingredients used in the casserole. Adjust quantities to suit your crowd—see the recipe card later for suggested measurements.
- Cooked turkey or chicken, diced (leftover turkey works perfectly)
- Dried short pasta (macaroni, penne, or shells)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Mushrooms, fresh or canned
- Chopped pimento (optional for color and mild flavor)
- Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom as a substitute)
- Milk
- Salt
- Curry powder (optional, adds a cozy warm note)
Directions for this quick dinner recipe
This is a straightforward one-dish meal that comes together in minutes and bakes into a creamy, tender casserole.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a 1 1/2‑quart casserole dish and stir until evenly mixed. If using dried pasta, mix it so the sauce surrounds the noodles.
- Cover the dish and bake for about 1 hour, stirring once halfway through (around 30 minutes) to ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the sauce.
- Optional: After baking, sprinkle additional cheddar over the top, replace the lid, and let it sit a few minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
What to serve with leftover turkey casserole
This creamy pasta bake is hearty on its own but pairs well with lighter sides to balance the meal:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Warm dinner rolls or biscuits
- Steamed green beans or peas for color and freshness
Helpful tips for best results
- Choose short pasta (penne, shells, or macaroni) so the sauce clings to each piece.
- Don’t skip the halfway stir—this prevents dry pasta pockets and helps everything cook evenly.
- Experiment with cheeses: Monterey Jack or mozzarella melt well and give a milder flavor.
- If you prefer more vegetables, add frozen peas, diced carrots, or cooked broccoli to the mix.
Substitutions & variations
- Swap turkey for leftover cooked chicken anytime.
- Add peas, diced carrots, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Season with a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to boost flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten‑free pasta if you prefer.
The story behind this casserole
This kind of casserole evokes potluck Sundays and family gatherings. It was a staple handed down in my family—simple, dependable comfort food created to stretch leftovers into a satisfying meal. It’s the sort of dish that reminds you of community dinners, handwritten recipe cards, and the practical warmth of classic home cooking.
Other recipes that work with leftover turkey
Many chicken recipes convert nicely to leftover turkey. Think casseroles, enchiladas, and tortilla bakes—the swap is an easy way to refresh holiday leftovers into several different meals throughout the week.
Leftover Turkey Casserole
A creamy, cheesy pasta bake that transforms leftover turkey into an easy weeknight dinner. Simple ingredients, nostalgic flavor, and minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, diced
- 1 1/2 cups dried short pasta (macaroni, penne, or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra to melt on top)
- 1 small (4 oz) can mushrooms stems & pieces, or 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped pimento (optional)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 1 cup milk (a soup can full equals about 1 cup)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp curry powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Stir together all ingredients in a 1 1/2‑quart casserole dish until evenly combined.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour, stirring at the 30‑minute mark so the dried pasta cooks through in the sauce.
- Optional: After baking, add extra cheddar on top, cover until melted, and garnish with fresh thyme.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 4
Calories: 454
Total Fat: 23g
Protein: 34g
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This creamy leftover turkey pasta casserole is an easy, satisfying way to repurpose holiday turkey into a fresh, family-friendly meal. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and a true comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights after a big holiday.