Turkey Noodle Casserole – The Ultimate Leftover Revival

Transform Thanksgiving Leftovers into Creamy Turkey Noodle Casserole

You’re standing in front of the fridge post-Thanksgiving, staring at the mountain of leftover turkey. You’ve had sandwiches, maybe a soup—but what you really want is something comforting, cozy, and deeply satisfying. That’s where this Creamy Turkey Noodle Casserole comes in.

This isn’t just a leftover turkey casserole. It’s a rich, bubbling bake with tender rotini, juicy turkey, sweet peas, and a silky cream sauce, topped with golden buttery breadcrumbs. It’s the kind of dish that turns leftovers into a highlight.

Full Recipe – Baked Turkey Casserole with Cream Sauce and Crunchy Topping

Ingredients

Main Components

• 12 oz rotini pasta
  
• 4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
  
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  
• 1½ cups heavy cream
  
• 1 cup turkey gravy
  

Flavor Base

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  
• 2 carrots, diced
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  
• 1 tsp rosemary or ½ tsp dried
  
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
  

Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
  

Directions

Step 1: Prep & Sauté the Base

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
  
• In a large skillet, cook onion and carrot in butter until softened.
  
• Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook another minute.
  
• Deglaze with broth, scraping the bottom of the pan.
  

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Push veggies to the side, melt 2 tbsp butter in the pan.
  
• Stir in 2 tbsp flour, cook 1 minute.
  
• Gradually whisk in cream and gravy.
  
• Simmer until thickened. Thin with broth if needed.
  
• Season with salt and pepper.
  

Step 3: Mix It All Together

• Combine cooked pasta, turkey, peas, and sauce in a baking dish.
  
• Stir gently, ensuring everything is coated.
  

Step 4: Top & Bake the Turkey and Noodle Bake

• Mix panko with melted butter.
  
• Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
  
• Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  

A Look Back: The History of Leftover Turkey Casserole

Casseroles became popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens for their convenience and ability to stretch ingredients. After big holiday meals, resourceful home cooks started turning extra turkey into warm, filling meals like turkey casserole with vegetables or turkey pasta bake.

The concept draws from dishes like Turkey Tetrazzini, but this modern take swaps spaghetti for rotini and swaps in a fresh cream-and-gravy combo for that rich, nostalgic flavor.

Variations and Adaptations for Your Holiday Leftover Recipes

• Noodle Swaps: Try bowtie, penne, or elbow macaroni instead of rotini.
  
• Vegetables: Use what you’ve got—green beans, corn, even leftover roasted Brussels sprouts.
  
• Topping Options: Mashed potatoes instead of breadcrumbs? Heck yes.
  
• Make It Vegetarian: Sub turkey for mushrooms or tofu; use veggie broth and plant-based cream.
  
• Cheesy Turkey Noodle Casserole: Add shredded cheddar or Swiss before baking.
  
• Herb Switches: Try sage or oregano for a flavor change.
  
• Try Other Protein Casseroles: Like Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake — great for a weekday dinner.
  

What to Serve with Turkey Casserole with Cream Sauce

• Salads: A lemony arugula or kale salad cuts the richness — or go for a chilled Italian Pasta Salad.
• Bread: Warm rolls or garlic bread to mop up the sauce.
• Sides: Roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts.
• Drinks: Chardonnay or apple cider (hot or cold).
• Cream Sauce Alternatives: Want something spicier? Try this bold and creamy Creamy Cajun Parmesan Sauce.
• Cool, Creamy Pairing: Serve with a refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad to balance the richness.
• Comfort Food Mains: Looking for a different hearty meal? Try this flavorful Savory Caramelized Onion Meatloaf.
• Skillet Alternative: For something faster, check out the hearty Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet.

Why This Turkey Casserole is Actually Good for You

• Lean Protein: Turkey supports muscle and satiety.
  
• Veggie Fiber: Peas and added veggies offer gut-friendly fiber.
  
• Brain-Boosting Fats: Cream and butter help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
  
• Smart Sustainability: Making use of leftovers = less waste.
  

Frequently Asked Questions – Turkey Noodle Casserole

Conclusion: Turn Leftovers Into Love

So now you’ve got a way to turn that leftover turkey into a dish that’s more than just edible—it’s crave-worthy. This Turkey Noodle Casserole has the creamy texture, herby flavor, and crunchy topping you want in a baked dish, without the boring repetition of leftovers.

Make it, tweak it, love it—and don’t forget to follow my Pinterest for more cozy, clever recipes: Emilio Recipes on Pinterest.

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