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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish Recipes

    Turkey Pasta Bake

    Published: October 16, 2019 Updated: October 20, 2019 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 37 Comments

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    Cheesy turkey pasta bake in a pan garnished with parsley.

    Looking for an easy leftover turkey idea? Turkey pasta bake is the answer! This turkey pasta recipe has plenty of turkey, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s generously topped with cheesy mozzarella and baked up until golden brown and bubbly. Sure to be a favourite in your home as it is ours.

    Cheesy turkey pasta bake in a pan garnished with parsley.

    Hi friends!

    As some of you may know, we recently celebrated Thanksgiving here in Canada.

    Aside from the big meal, I always get excited about turkey leftovers, especially when I make this turkey pasta bake.

    Remember that scene from A Christmas Story when a bunch of dogs got into the house and ravaged their turkey? Ralphie starts to rhyme off all the delicious eats one could have after the main meal. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to have those leftovers, but hopefully you will!

    I mean, what’s not to love about leftovers? And this turkey pasta? There’s turkey, carbs and melty cheese. Sounds good, right?

    With all the holidays this time of year, there’s lots of leftover turkey going around and there’s no complaints from me!

    What I love about pasta bake recipes is that they come together so quickly. And, if you don’t have exactly the same ingredients, you could use what you have on hand.

    There’s a lot of flexibility here, which I love.

    Ingredients Needed for This Pasta Bake Recipe

    • Leftover cooked turkey (of course): I used a combo for white and dark meat (no skin). Use what you have or what you enjoy best.
    • Pasta: Gemelli pasta was used, but you could use your favourite small pasta variety.
    • Pasta sauce: Rosee pasta sauce works lovely here, but you could you another variety, like a simple tomato pasta sauce.
    • Broth: Unsalted chicken broth was used, but if you have leftover turkey broth, all the better!
    • Half-and-half: This adds to the richness of the dish. You could replace with more pasta sauce, broth or even heavy cream if you prefer.
    • Artichokes: Marinated artichokes were used. They were removed from their liquid and roughly chopped.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes in oil were used. Simply remove from oil and chop.
    • Seasonings, like salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes (you could omit the crushed red pepper flakes, or use less, if you aren’t a big fan of spice).
    • Mozzarella cheese: This melts lovely, but you could use another variety of your favourite melting cheese.
    • And, of course, olive oil and aromatics, like onion and garlic.
    Ingredients for leftover turkey pasta recipe.

    How To Make It

    This turkey pasta bake is super easy to whip up! Aside from cooking the onion and garlic, you simply add everything in the pot, generously top with cheese and bake. Couldn’t be simpler (or tastier)! Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

    1. Heat some olive oil in a pan and cook onion until softened.
    2. Add garlic and cook for just a minute.
    3. Stir in cooked leftover turkey, uncooked pasta, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes
    4. Pour in pasta sauce, broth, half-and-half and seasonings. Give everything a little mix to combine. You can leave on the heat for just a few minutes to allow the liquid to warm through before baking.
    5. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
    6. Bake, then allow it to cool for a little bit before digging in.
    Collage of steps to make pasta bake with turkey,

    Best Cheese To Use

    I used a shredded mozzarella here (also known as “pizza mozzarella”), but you could use another cheese.

    Just use a good melting cheese. Fontina, provolone, Swiss, young cheddar and Asiago also work great (or try a combo of your faves).

    Close-up of cheesy turkey pasta bake in a pan garnished with parsley.

    Pasta To Use

    Gemelli pasta was used here, but you could easily substitute with your favourite similarly sized pasta.

    Campanelle, cavatappi, rotini or penne would work too.

    How Much Liquid Is Needed?

    To cook pasta (along with everything in this pasta bake recipe), you’ll need about 5.5 cups of liquid, which comprises pasta sauce, broth and half-and-half.

    It looks like a lot of liquid at first but will be absorbed or reduced as the pasta cooks. This is not an overly saucy pasta, but it’s super tasty!

    Tip: Want to use a little more pasta sauce? Just reduce the quantity of broth by the same amount.

    Partially eaten pan of cheesy turkey pasta bake with a spoon resting in the pan.

    Pasta Bake Add Ins

    Not into sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes or don’t have on hand? No worries! Try any of these:

    • Sliced mushrooms (if using fresh, give them a little cook before adding to the bake)
    • Roasted red peppers, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • Diced bell pepper
    • Sliced black olives
    • Crisped bacon, pancetta or prosciutto
    • Baby spinach or kale
    • Try throwing some fresh or dried herbs into the pasta itself (like basil, thyme or rosemary)

    Size of Pan To Use

    Use an oven-safe 12-inch pan that’s about 2.5 to 3 inches deep.

    I like to use my enameled cast-iron pan.

    How Long the Leftover Pasta Bake Lasts

    Find yourself with leftovers? The length of time this pasta bake lasts really depends on how fresh your leftover turkey was in the first place.

    If your turkey is freshly made, leftover pasta bake will keep for about 2 to 4 days (properly stored in an airtight container the fridge).

    If your leftover turkey was 3 days old when you make this pasta bake, enjoy right away.

    Serving spoon taking up a portion of cheesy turkey pasta from a pan.

    How To Reheat Pasta Bake

    Like most pasta bakes, this turkey pasta is best enjoyed when freshly made, but you can reheat. I love to reheat this pasta bake on the stovetop.

    Simply place your portions into a pan with a little splash of water (about a ¼ cup, depending on how much you are reheating), cover and heat over medium heat until heated through.

    Alternatively, you can bake in the oven (with oven temperature set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Place portions into an oven-safe dish, add a little water (again, about ¼ cup), loosely cover with aluminum foil and cook until heated through, about 20 minutes or so. Time may vary, depending on how big of a portion you are reheating.

    Portion of baked turkey pasta on a blue plate.

    What To Serve With Turkey Pasta

    Feel like serving this turkey pasta bake with sides? Try any of these:

    • Green salad
    • Caesar salad
    • Garlic bread
    • Green beans
    • Roasted broccoli or broccolini

    More Leftover Turkey Recipes

    • Cheesy Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
    • Savoury Hand Pies

    If you make this leftover turkey pasta bake, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Cheesy turkey pasta bake in a pan garnished with parsley.

    Turkey Pasta Bake

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    Looking for an easy leftover turkey idea? Turkey pasta bake is the answer! This turkey pasta recipe has plenty of turkey, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. It's generously topped with cheesy mozzarella and baked up until golden brown and bubbly. Sure to be a favourite in your home as it is ours.
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Cooling Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 6 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or avocado oil
    • 1 yellow onion, peeled and minced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 cups cooked turkey, roughly chopped (about ¾ pound)
    • 12 ounces dried gemelli pasta, or similarly sized pasta like fusilli or penne (about 3 cups)
    • ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, removed from liquid and chopped
    • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), removed from their oil and chopped
    • 2 cups pasta sauce, "rosee" or your favourite variety
    • 3 cups unsalted chicken broth, divided
    • ½ cup half-and-half, or pasta sauce or unsalted chicken broth
    • ½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon salt, optional
    • 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, about 2.5 cups
    • Chopped fresh parsley, garnish to taste (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a 12-inch heavy oven-safe sauté/deep pan over medium heat on the stovetop, then add onion and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in cooked turkey, uncooked pasta, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes.
    • Next, pour in pasta sauce (take ½ cup of the chicken broth and rinse out the jar of pasta sauce to get every last bit and pour that in too), remaining 2.5 cups of chicken broth, half-and-half, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt (if using). Stir to combine everything, ensuring pasta is submerged in the liquid. Keep the pot over the heat for 3 to 4 minutes just to let the liquid start to warm.
    • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake (uncovered) for about 45 to 50 minutes (check on at the 45-minute mark) until bubbly, the pasta is cooked through and the cheese on top is melty and a little golden brown.
      Note: Ovens vary. If your cheese browns too quickly, you can loosely cover with aluminum foil (ensuring the aluminum foil isn't touching the cheese).
    • Once done, carefully remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 to 15 minutes (don't skip this step) before garnishing with parsley (if using) and serving. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • If you don’t have gemelli pasta, use a similar sized-variety, like campanelle, cavatappi, rotini or penne.
    • You can use another melting cheese, if you prefer, instead of mozzarella, like fontina, provolone, Swiss, young cheddar and asiago (or a combo of your faves).
    • More recipe tips in body of post above.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    © Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.

    Keyword baked pasta, leftover turkey idea, leftover turkey recipe, pasta bake recipe

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    1. CAG

      October 14, 2020 at 1:18 pm

      Can you sub 2% milk for the 1/2 and 1/2 OR better to just use extra stock or extra sauce??

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 23, 2020 at 9:24 am

        I haven’t tried with regular milk, but should work out just fine. Hope you enjoy and thanks for stopping by!!

        Reply
    2. Kim - The Puffy Biscuit

      October 25, 2019 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      This is brilliant, Dawn! How easy and delicious; the kind of meal that makes leftovers THE BEST THING EVER. (I used to hate leftovers, but I have gotten wiser over the years! 🙂 ) And leftover turkey is the best of the best. Love the addition of the sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes – they must add such great flavour.

      Reply
    3. Colleen

      October 23, 2019 at 12:05 am

      5 stars
      Good bye Turkey Sandwhiches, THIS is were my tukey leftovers are going! So delicious, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 29, 2019 at 9:05 am

        Woo hoo! Thanks Colleen 🙂

        Reply
    4. Elaine Nessman

      October 22, 2019 at 8:46 pm

      5 stars
      Fabulous idea! And there’s no reason I couldn’t use my favourite gluten-free pasta in this dish, either! Thanks Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 29, 2019 at 9:04 am

        Totally! Thank you Elaine 🙂

        Reply
    5. STEFANIE

      October 21, 2019 at 7:24 pm

      5 stars
      AT WHAT TEMP IS THE OVEN PUT AT???
      THANK YOU

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 7:48 pm

        Hi Stefanie! Bake at 350 F 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. annie@ciaochowbambina

      October 21, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      I can honestly say I would have never have thought of this, and I am SO glad you did!! Wow! Truly…Wow! My mouth is watering…I already can’t wait for Thanksgiving leftovers! 😉 🙂 Have a great week, my friend! xoxo

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 22, 2019 at 9:54 am

        Yay! Thanks, my friend 🙂 You too! XOXO

        Reply
    7. Kim Lange

      October 18, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      Saw this on instagram Dawn and I’m here checking it out! I’m drooling and pinning because I have to make this! I’m a sucker for sun-dried tomatoes and pasta!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:26 am

        Yay! Thank you Kim! I am too 🙂

        Reply
    8. Kevin

      October 18, 2019 at 3:43 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely one of the best ways to use up some leftover turkey! That is if you have any after Thanksgiving! Love the ooey, gooey, sauciness of this pasta bake! Will have to remember this one!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:26 am

        Thank you Kevin! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    9. Valentina

      October 18, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      Love that you’re posting all of this now for us American’s who will be totally ready when our Thanksgiving hits. This dish looks SO comforting. I might not even wait for the leftovers to try it! Hope you have a great weekend, Dawn. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:25 am

        Thank you so much, Valentina! Hope you had a great weekend too 🙂

        Reply
    10. Ben|Havocinthekitchen

      October 18, 2019 at 7:14 am

      5 stars
      Pasta, turkey, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, tomatoe sauce…say no more, Dawn! The only problem is that Thanksgiving is over and we don’t have any turkey leftovers. Well that’s a good reason to celebrate American Thanksgiving as well 🙂 Delicious idea!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:25 am

        Thank you very much, Ben 🙂

        Reply
    11. Kelly | Foodtasia

      October 18, 2019 at 5:33 am

      5 stars
      Dawn, the Canadian Thanksgiving always sneaks up and surprises me! I’ll be looking forward to this baked pasta dish as much as the Thanksgiving turkey itself! Love all the cheesy tomato-y goodness. And I can’t believe how simple it is to make!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:25 am

        Super simple! Thank you Kelly 🙂

        Reply
    12. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      October 17, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      I love having recipes like this for leftover turkey!!! I stole some of my Mom’s turkey after dinner at her house this weekend and ended up making a soup with it, but I’m pinning this one for the next turkey that we have!! That bubbly cheese on top gets me every time! Happy weekend Dawn! XO

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:24 am

        Thank you Katherine! Cheese gets me too 😉 XO

        Reply
    13. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      October 17, 2019 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      I’m still dealing with leftover turkey, so I will definitely add this to the menu this weekend 🙂 Looks lovely!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:24 am

        Woo hoo! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    14. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes

      October 17, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious, Dawn! An incredibly yummy idea – I feel like I can almost smell it cooking right now. Comfort food at the very best!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:24 am

        Thank you so much, Alexandra!

        Reply
    15. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      October 17, 2019 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      This is brilliant! People can only eat so many turkey sandwiches after Thanksgiving right? And I love how easy it is to prepare! Have a great weekend, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:23 am

        For sure! Thank you Kelsie 🙂

        Reply
    16. Leanne

      October 17, 2019 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      I’m all about the turkey leftovers, and love your reference to A Christmas Story! One of our favourite Christmas movies! This pasta bake is such a great way to use up leftover turkey, and so hearty and comforting for fall. It has all the things we love, including sundried tomatoes and artichokes. So delish! Pinning! Happy almost weekend Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:23 am

        I know, right? Such a classic! Thank you Leanne!

        Reply
    17. David @ Spiced

      October 17, 2019 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      I’m with ya on the leftovers, Dawn. In fact, leftovers are one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving. However, even I get bored of the same leftovers after a while. This is a great way to mix things up! I love a good pasta bake, so the addition of leftover turkey here is a great idea!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:23 am

        Totally!! Thank you David 🙂

        Reply
    18. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      October 17, 2019 at 9:00 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious idea for leftover turkey Dawn. I’m simply drooling over here! I also love the list of extra add ins you’ve suggested. In a few weeks we’ll be up to our ears in extra turkey too, so I’m bookmarking this one! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:23 am

        Thank you so much, Mary Ann! Hope you enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    19. Katerina | Once a Foodie

      October 17, 2019 at 8:07 am

      Gosh and golly, this looks absolutely delightful, Dawn! I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        October 21, 2019 at 9:23 am

        Thank you Katerina 🙂 We sure did!

        Reply

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