Turkey Noodle Casserole

This turkey noodle casserole recipe is the perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make. You can have it on the table in no time at all. If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, look no further than this turkey noodle casserole. It's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

If you don't have leftover turkey but still want to use turkey, check out this turkey and pasta casserole that has tons of flavor and even has veggies already in the mix.

turkey noodle casserole in glass baking dish that is sitting on a wood cutting board

Ingredients

½ pound small pasta (250g)
1 ½ cup mixed vegetables (200 g)
3 tablespoons olive oil (45g)
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
1 cup milk (250 ml)
⅔ cup cream cheese (113g)
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning blend (3g)
2 ½ cups cooked shredded turkey breast (350g)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (240g)

Useful Kitchen Tools

white bowl of turkey noodle casserole on gray table by bowl of casserole

How to Make a Turkey Noodle Casserole

Begin by cooking and shredding your turkey or chicken. This is great for using leftover holiday turkey or even a rotisserie chicken. Then, prepare your baking dish by spraying with non-stick spray, and preheating the oven to 400°F/200°C.

Now, cook the pasta (spiral or egg noodles best) for half of the listed time on the package. Drain this and set it aside to mix in later. It will finish cooking in the oven.

Add the olive oil and mixed vegetables to the skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until just heated through.

mixed vegetables in skillet on black hot plate

Then, add the minced garlic and flour. Stir well so the flour coats the vegetables, then cook for an additional 1 minute.

Pour in the milk and stir well so there are no lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring regularly, for another 5 to 7 minutes, until it is thickened.

wooden spoon stirring vegetables and cream in skillet on hot plate

Then, stir in the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, shredded turkey, and the par-cooked pasta.

cooked rotini on top of sauce in skillet

Once combined, pour into the prepared baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella.

hand sprinkling cheese on top of uncooked casserole in glass dish

Bake for 15 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted on top.

baking dish of casserole laying at an angle on wood board

Chef's Tip

Use leftover rotisserie chicken or even pulled pork in this recipe if you don't have turkey on hand. It changes the flavor just slightly, but still keeps the integrity of the recipe in tact.

Like tips like this? Then check out my latest cookbook, The Complete Cookbook for Beginners. This book is filled with essential skills and step-by-step techniques that are ideal for new home cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does This Turkey Noodle Casserole Use Mushroom Soup?

No, for this turkey noodle casserole, you can skip the canned soup. I am making the homemade cream sauce. I think this gives the casserole a much better flavor and it also has a lot less sodium.

What Vegetables Go in Turkey Noodle Casserole?

I love using a frozen mix when making this casserole. It has a variety of veggies and it is easy because everything is chopped up and ready to go. However, you can use other veggies instead or add them to the mix. Green beans and mushrooms are a great addition to this recipe. Other ideas to add to the noodle casserole are things like corn, carrots, celery, and peas. Onions are also great to add to give the casserole even more flavor.

If you have a lot of Thanksgiving leftovers, adding them to this turkey noodle casserole is a great way to use them. I have even added leftover green bean casserole. The flavor is phenomenal.

Do I Pre-Cook The Pasta For This Casserole?

You want to precook the noodles before adding them to the turkey noodle casserole. However, you do not want to cook them all the way. This will overcook the pasta and cause it to be mushy. I recommend cooking the pasta for about half the normal amount of time. This will make sure the pasta is cooked enough but also make sure it is not overcooked.

Can I Freeze Turkey Noodle Casserole?

Yes, this turkey noodle casserole can be frozen. This casserole can be frozen before baking so that it serves as a freezer meal. It can also be frozen after it has been baked, as leftovers.

To freeze turkey noodle casserole before it has been baked, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point of baking. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and then place in the freezer. When you are ready to bake it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the bake time since it will be going into the oven cold.

To freeze turkey noodle casserole after it has been baked, let the casserole cool completely. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and then place in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. If you prefer it in portion sizes, let it cool, then divide it into portion containers and freeze. Just make sure that whatever way you freeze the casserole, you add the date, label, and cooking directions to the container for convenience.

round white bowl of turkey noodle casserole next to glass baking dish of casserole

More Easy Casserole Recipes

For more delicious mealtime ideas, don't miss this list of great casserole recipes. Whether you want something simple or a new spin on a classic, below are some of our family's favorite recipes. Make sure that you bookmark these, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

Yield: 6

Turkey Noodle Casserole

This turkey noodle casserole is the ultimate comfort food meal with creamy sauce, ender noodles, vegetables, and tender turkey in every bite!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

½ pound small pasta (250g)
1 ½ cup mixed vegetables (200 g)
3 tablespoons olive oil (45g)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
1 cup milk (250 ml)
⅔ cup cream cheese, softened (113g)
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning blend (3g)
2 ½ cups cooked shredded turkey breast (350g)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (240g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and spray a 10" baking dish with non-stick spray then set it aside. Cook your chosen pasta for ½ the cooking time, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the mixed vegetables and heat through, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes.
To the vegetables, add garlic and all-purpose flour. Mix to coat the vegetables and cook an additional 1 minute.
Pour in the milk and stir to combine, then cook the sauce, stirring regularly, for 5 to 7 minutes, until thickened.
Stir in the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning blend, and cooked shredded turkey.
Then stir in the noodles until combined.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and melted.