The best part of Thanksgiving might just be the day after—especially when you can turn your leftovers into something this good. This Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake takes tender roasted turkey, sweet peas, and rotini noodles, then wraps them all in a rich, herbed cream sauce. Finished with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping, it’s a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly nights.
Whether you’re trying to clean out the fridge or just want a low-effort, high-flavor dinner, this casserole delivers. The aromatic rosemary and thyme bring that nostalgic holiday comfort, while the crispy topping adds the perfect crunch. Ideal for a family-style meal or prepping in advance, this bake is proof that leftovers never have to feel second-rate.
Full Recipe:
-
3 cups dry rotini pasta
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
-
½ onion, chopped
-
2 carrots, chopped
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
-
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
14.5 oz low-sodium chicken broth
-
¾ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
-
½ cup turkey gravy
-
3 cups cooked turkey, chopped
-
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
-
1 cup breadcrumbs
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
-
Add chopped onion, carrots, and salt. Sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
-
Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add flour and stir for 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until thickened, whisking continuously.
-
Stir in the heavy cream and turkey gravy until smooth.
-
Add in cooked turkey, peas, and pasta. Mix to combine. Adjust salt to taste.
-
Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
-
Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with breadcrumbs.
-
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over casserole.
-
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 369 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
History and Origin
The concept of a casserole is deeply rooted in home cooking traditions worldwide. A casserole is a dish that typically combines various ingredients like meats, vegetables, pasta, and a creamy sauce, all baked together to form a cohesive meal. In the United States, casseroles became particularly popular in the mid-20th century, thanks in part to the rise of convenience foods like canned soups and pre-packaged noodles. These types of dishes allowed families to make hearty, filling meals with minimal effort and were especially popular during the holidays.
The Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake, in particular, is a wonderful example of a dish born out of necessity and creativity. After the indulgence of a large holiday meal like Thanksgiving, many families are left with an abundance of turkey, gravy, and side dishes. Rather than letting these leftovers go to waste, home cooks began experimenting with turning them into casseroles. This dish marries the comforting textures of pasta, the rich flavors of turkey and gravy, and the satisfying crunch of a breadcrumb topping. It’s a modern American classic for utilizing post-holiday leftovers in a way that makes them feel like a whole new meal.
Variations and Adaptations
Like most casseroles, the Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake is highly adaptable and can be customized depending on what leftovers you have available. Here are a few ways to mix up the recipe:
-
Different Noodles: While rotini pasta is commonly used for its ability to hold sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or bowtie pasta can easily be swapped in. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand, as long as the noodles can hold up to baking.
-
Vegetable Variations: The basic recipe calls for carrots and peas, but you can use whatever vegetables you have left over from the holiday feast. Green beans, corn, or even roasted sweet potatoes work wonderfully in this casserole.
-
Mashed Potatoes Topping: For a twist on the traditional breadcrumb topping, consider spreading leftover mashed potatoes on top of the casserole instead. This variation gives the dish a different texture and makes it even more indulgent.
-
Vegan/Vegetarian Adaptation: For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply substitute the turkey with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Swap the gravy for a vegetable-based sauce, and you’ve got a hearty vegetarian casserole.
-
Herb Variations: While rosemary and thyme are staples in this casserole, you can experiment with other herbs like sage, oregano, or even basil to create a flavor profile that matches your preferences.
Nutritional Information
This Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. A typical serving (about 1/8th of the casserole) contains approximately:
-
Calories: 369 kcal
-
Protein: 20g
-
Carbohydrates: 35g
-
Fat: 17g
-
Saturated Fat: 9g
-
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
-
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
-
-
Cholesterol: 75mg
-
Sodium: 409mg
-
Potassium: 380mg
-
Fiber: 3g
-
Sugar: 5g
-
Vitamin A: 3217 IU
-
Vitamin C: 10mg
-
Calcium: 68mg
-
Iron: 2mg
This casserole offers a healthy dose of protein from the turkey, as well as fiber from the pasta and vegetables. The fat content is primarily from the butter, heavy cream, and turkey gravy, which provide a rich flavor and comforting texture. While this dish can be considered hearty and indulgent, it’s still packed with nutrients to fuel your body.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served alongside some light, fresh dishes to balance out the richness. Here are some great pairing ideas:
-
Light Salad: A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing can cut through the richness of the casserole. Consider including ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions for a refreshing contrast.
-
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Nothing goes better with a hearty casserole than some soft, buttery bread. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are the perfect side dish to soak up the creamy sauce of the turkey bake.
-
Roasted Vegetables: For a more substantial side, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or roasted sweet potatoes add both flavor and a dose of nutrition.
-
Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine with your meals, opt for a white wine like a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the creamy sauce and rich flavors of the casserole.
-
Apple Cider: If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, a glass of chilled apple cider adds a fruity and slightly tart note that works beautifully with the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Success
To ensure your Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
-
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will cook further in the oven, make sure to cook it al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy after baking.
-
Gravy Consistency: If your leftover turkey gravy is too thick, thin it out with a bit of chicken broth or water to achieve the perfect creamy texture. You want the sauce to coat the pasta and turkey, not be too thick or clumpy.
-
Breadcrumbs: For a super crunchy topping, use panko breadcrumbs. You can also toast them in a pan with a little butter to enhance the flavor before sprinkling them on the casserole.
-
Resting Time: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken up a little.
-
Freezing Tips: If you’re preparing the casserole in advance, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
Potential Health Benefits
While this casserole is certainly indulgent, it offers a variety of health benefits due to its ingredients. Here are a few to consider:
-
Protein-Rich Turkey: Turkey is a lean source of protein that can help support muscle growth and repair. It’s also an excellent source of essential nutrients like selenium, which plays a role in thyroid function and antioxidant defense.
-
Fiber from Vegetables and Pasta: The carrots, peas, and rotini pasta contribute fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and can prevent constipation.
-
Healthy Fats: The butter and heavy cream in this dish contain healthy fats that support brain health, provide energy, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (like Vitamin A, D, and E).
Conclusion
The Leftover Turkey Noodle Bake is more than just a way to use up your holiday leftovers; it’s a comforting, delicious meal that can easily become a family favorite. The creamy sauce, tender turkey, and crunchy breadcrumb topping come together to create a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Whether you’re enjoying it the day after Thanksgiving or on a cold winter evening, this casserole is sure to satisfy. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey, skip the sandwiches and try this simple yet scrumptious bake. You’ll be glad you did!