Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe

If you ever find yourself with a bit of extra turkey after a big meal, this Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe will transform your saved bites into a dazzling new dish full of creamy, cheesy goodness and comforting warmth. It blends savory turkey, tender pasta, and a luscious pesto cream sauce that makes every forkful pure joy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe turns leftovers into something you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building taste, texture, and color, making the dish both exciting and easy to assemble.

• 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni or penne: The perfect sturdy pasta to hold onto the creamy sauce and bits of turkey.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the veggies beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Works alongside olive oil to give the sauce a velvety texture.
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when browned with mushrooms.
• 7 ounces cremini or white mushrooms (sliced): Adds earthy flavor and a meaty chew that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives that irresistible aromatic kick, balancing richness perfectly.
• 1/4 cup pesto: Infuses the dish with fresh herbaceous notes and a touch of nuttiness.
• 2 cups heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that coats every bite.
• 2-3 cups cooked turkey (cut up): The star of the dish, tender and flavorful, turning leftovers into magic.
• Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all those flavors to life.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts gorgeously on top for that irresistible golden crust.
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste): Adds a bright, fresh finish that lifts the dish beautifully.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and placing the rack in the middle. Cooking the pasta just shy of al dente ensures it won’t turn mushy after baking, setting the perfect base for your sauce and turkey.

Step 2: Cook and Drain the Pasta

Boil the rigatoni or penne for two minutes less than suggested on the package. Then drain and place it into a greased 9×13 casserole dish, ready to mingle with the saucy mixture.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Mushrooms

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat your olive oil and butter. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms have released their moisture and everything is beautifully browned, which brings out their natural sweetness—a process that takes around 8 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook it just for about 30 seconds. This short time will soften the garlic and amplify its aromatic essence without burning.

Step 5: Make the Pesto Cream Sauce

Mix in the pesto and heavy cream. As the sauce begins to bubble, let it gently thicken for about two minutes but don’t overdo it because it will thicken more in the oven. Then take the skillet off the heat.

Step 6: Incorporate the Turkey

Add the cooked turkey to the skillet sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. This step ensures each piece of turkey is luxuriously coated with that rich creamy sauce you’re about to bake.

Step 7: Combine Sauce and Pasta

Pour the skillet mixture into the casserole with your pasta. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella so that the cheese melts throughout, creating pockets of gooey goodness.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the dish. Feel free to add extra cheese if you’re like me and love that golden, cheesy crust on top!

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 20 minutes or just until the bake is warmed through, allowing all the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

Step 10: Optional Broil for a Golden Finish

Removing the foil, switch your oven to broil and brown the cheese for a few minutes if you want that irresistible bubbly and crispy top layer—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 11: Rest and Garnish

Let the pasta bake sit for a few minutes before serving. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end will brighten the dish, giving it a pop of color and a lovely fresh herbaceous note.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a wonderful classic garnish, but you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few crushed red pepper flakes for an extra flavor boost that complements the creaminess and turkey beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots make a colorful, nutritious side that balances the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bake in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or layer it over a bed of sautéed greens like spinach or kale to add a pop of vibrancy and extra nutrients to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners midweek.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the bake before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results and to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. Remove the foil at the end if you want to refresh the cheese topping’s meltiness and slight crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in this bake?

Absolutely! While rigatoni or penne work best because of their shape, other sturdy pasta like ziti, shells, or farfalle can be delicious alternatives.

What if I don’t have pesto? Can I substitute it?

If pesto isn’t on hand, try using basil or sun-dried tomato pesto for variation, or even a spoonful of pesto-flavored olive oil. For a different twist, a pinch of Italian seasoning mixed into the cream works well too.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and choosing a vegan cheese substitute, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of this pasta bake.

Can I add other vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Peas, spinach, roasted red peppers, or zucchini would be fantastic stirred into the sauce or layered into the casserole for extra nutrition and texture.

How much leftover turkey should I use?

This recipe calls for 2 to 3 cups of cooked turkey, roughly the amount you’d get from 2 to 3 servings. Feel free to adjust based on what you have and how meaty you want your bake.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like turning your leftover turkey into a warm, creamy, and cheesy delight that feels fresh every time. This Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe is a shining example of comfort food reimagined, perfect for busy nights or special family meals. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to use turkey leftovers!

Print