Description
A comforting casserole that transforms leftover turkey into a creamy, herb-infused meal. Tender pasta, peas, and turkey are enveloped in a rich cream sauce and baked under a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping for the ultimate cozy dinner.
Ingredients
3 cups dry rotini pasta
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1/2 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
14.5 oz low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
1/2 cup turkey gravy
3 cups cooked turkey, chopped
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and salt; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in the heavy cream and turkey gravy until creamy and combined.
- Add cooked turkey, peas, and pasta to the sauce; stir well to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter and mix with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitute rotini with penne, macaroni, or bowtie pasta.
For extra crispiness, mix Parmesan cheese or crushed crackers with the breadcrumbs.
Add more vegetables like corn, green beans, or spinach for variety.
Use leftover chicken instead of turkey if preferred.
Replace the heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 369
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
