This Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta Recipe is so Quick & Easy to Make!

Turn your holiday leftovers into comfort food! This creamy leftover turkey pasta recipe is cozy, easy to make, and perfect for using up Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.

Every year after Thanksgiving, I find myself staring at the fridge, wondering what to do with all that leftover turkey. This creamy baked pasta casserole has become my go-to solution — simple, comforting, and just right for when you’re ready to take a break from turkey sandwiches.

Ingredients you’ll need for this quick & easy leftover turkey pasta recipe

(See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.)

• Cooked turkey or chicken, diced (If you’re in a hurry and need something quick, here is how to cook chicken breasts in a dutch oven. It’s quick and easy! – Or you could pick up a rotisserie chicken.)
• Dried pasta (macaroni, penne, or shells work best)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mushrooms (fresh or canned)
• Chopped pimento (optional for color and flavor)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Salt
• Curry powder (optional, but it gives such a cozy warmth!)
• Extra cheese for topping, if desired

What do you serve with this leftover turkey casserole?

This cozy pasta bake pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Bread machine dinner rolls or warm biscuits
• A side of steamed green beans or peas for color and freshness

Helpful Tips for Making This Recipe

• Use short pasta (like penne or shells) so the sauce coats evenly.
• Don’t skip the midway stir — it helps the pasta cook through in the sauce.
• Try different cheeses for variety — Monterey Jack or mozzarella work nicely, too.
• If you’re out of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom works in a pinch.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap turkey for chicken — perfect for any time of year.
• Add peas or diced carrots for color and extra veggies.
• Mix in a dash of garlic powder or paprika for more flavor depth.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.

The history of this leftover turkey casserole recipe

Potluck Sundays were a big deal when I was a little girl. I remember sitting in church, hoping the sermon would end just a few minutes early so we could make our way to the fellowship hall — where the smell of casseroles filled the air.

Each lady had her “signature dish,” and when I got married, those same women gifted me a small box of handwritten recipe cards at my bridal shower. This Leftover Turkey Pasta Casserole was one of them — and it’s been part of my post-holiday rotation ever since.

Other Great recipes perfect for leftover turkey!

Many recipes that call for cooked chicken also taste just as delicious with leftover cooked turkey. Here are some of our family favorites:

• Chicken Stuffing Casserole
• Chicken Tortilla Bake
• Chicken Enchiladas

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