Description
This Leftover Turkey Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious family favorite recipe perfect for transforming leftover turkey into a hearty and creamy meal. Sautéed leeks and mushrooms combined with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and melted cheeses create a rich, golden baked dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 leek, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 big handfuls fresh baby spinach leaves
Pasta and Liquids
- 250 grams dry shells or macaroni pasta
- 1 cup chicken/turkey stock
- 1 1/4 cups water (plus up to 1/2 cup more if needed)
Protein
- 3 cups cooked turkey, roughly chopped
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup thickened cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan forced) or 375°F to get it ready for baking the pasta dish later.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped leek and sliced mushrooms, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the crushed garlic and sauté for an additional minute, releasing its aroma.
- Cook the pasta: To the sautéed vegetables, add 250 grams dry shells or macaroni pasta, 1 cup chicken or turkey stock, 1 1/4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Stir and cook for about 12 minutes, until the pasta is almost cooked through but still slightly firm. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add up to 1/2 cup more water as needed.
- Add spinach, turkey, and cream: Stir in 2 big handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves, 3 cups of roughly chopped cooked turkey, and 1 cup of thickened cream, mixing well. Then add two-thirds of the combined 1 cup Gruyère and 1 cup mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts and blends into the creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle cheese and bake: Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the mixture. Place the pan uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve warm. This comforting turkey pasta bake is perfect for a family meal and an excellent way to use up leftover turkey.
Notes
- If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, you can substitute with Swiss or a mild cheddar for a similar creamy flavor.
- Be sure to use an oven-safe pan for the sauté and baking steps to avoid transferring the mixture.
- Add extra water gradually during pasta cooking to prevent the mixture from becoming dry or sticking to the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, you can substitute the thickened cream with a lighter cream or milk, though the texture will be less rich.
