Creamy Cheesy Turkey Casserole with Pasta and Herbs Recipe

Oh, if you’ve got some leftover turkey and are wondering how to jazz it up in a cozy, comforting way, this Creamy Cheesy Turkey Casserole with Pasta and Herbs Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how the tender turkey blends with a luscious, creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned with herbs, and baked under a golden, bubbly cheese crust. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

When I first tried this, it was a game changer during holiday leftovers week. Instead of the usual sandwiches, this casserole gave me a fresh spin that everyone raved about. You’ll find that this dish works wonderfully for a family dinner or even to meal prep for the week. It’s hearty, flavorful, and pretty forgiving — I’m excited to share all my tips so you nail it every time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients come together like a dream – creamy, cheesy, savory, and fresh with herbs. Don’t worry, they’re easy to find, and I’ll share some tips on picking the best to get that perfect balance in your dish.

• Dry Pasta: I love using fusilli here because its spiral shape holds the sauce so well, but penne or rotini works nicely too.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Carrots: Peeled and diced small so they cook evenly and blend into the creamy mixture.
• Onion: A sweet, mild onion works best – I usually pick a yellow or white onion.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic pop; don’t skimp here!
• Dried Oregano, Thyme, and Parsley: These herbs give the casserole its fresh, earthy flavor—feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
• Tomato Paste: Surprising, but it adds a depth of flavor and slight tang to balance the creaminess.
• Half and Half: For that luscious creaminess without being too heavy like pure cream.
• Turkey Leftovers or Shredded Turkey: This is your star protein – make sure it’s well cooked and shredded for even distribution.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts gorgeously to form that golden, bubbly top everyone loves.

Variations

The really cool thing about this Creamy Cheesy Turkey Casserole with Pasta and Herbs Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve tried a few swaps that work beautifully, so I encourage you to get creative with it!

• Vegetable Boost: I often toss in some frozen peas or chopped spinach towards the end for a pop of green and extra nutrition—my family barely notices, but I feel good about it.
• Cheese Variety: Mixing mozzarella with a bit of sharp cheddar or Parmesan adds a richer, nuttier flavor. I tried this for a more sophisticated twist, and it was a hit.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap half and half for a plant-based cream alternative and use vegan cheese for a lovely dairy-free casserole.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic—I like this when I want a bit more excitement in the flavor.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Turkey Casserole with Pasta and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Pasta Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 395°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish – this helps everything slide out easily later. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente; I like to pull it a minute or two before fully soft so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven. Save about 2 tablespoons of that pasta water – it’s liquid gold for the sauce! Once drained, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking, then let it drain well.

Step 2: Layering Flavors in the Skillet

Heat your olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced carrots and onions, cooking until they’re tender and fragrant – about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and dried herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley), and stir for about a minute until everything smells irresistible. Next, stir in the tomato paste for a rich depth; this little punch of umami really elevates the sauce.

Step 3: Creating That Creamy, Cheesy Sauce

Pour in the half and half along with the reserved pasta water, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low so it thickens slightly without boiling. Toss in your cooked pasta and shredded turkey, and stir until every bit is coated in that creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt and black pepper—you want the flavors balanced but vibrant.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking to Perfection

Spread half of the pasta and turkey mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Layer the remaining pasta on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella. Pop it in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—it helps everything set and makes it easier to cut.

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Turkey Casserole with Pasta and Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of dried oregano on top before serving. It brightens the rich dish and adds a lovely fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I even add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for that slight fruity finish.

Side Dishes

Since the casserole is quite rich, I typically serve it with a crisp, refreshing green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. A side of garlic bread also pairs perfectly if you want that extra indulgent touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried serving this in individual ramekins topped with fresh herb sprigs or accompanied by colorful roasted vegetables arranged like a rainbow on the plate. It looks impressive but takes no extra effort—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during busy weekdays.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by letting it cool completely, then covering tightly with foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, it holds up nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave works too—just cover it loosely and stir halfway to keep it evenly warm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cheesy Turkey Casserole with Pasta and Herbs Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of comforting and delicious without fuss. It solves the “what to do with leftover turkey” dilemma brilliantly and always fills the house with incredible aromas. I really hope you give it a go—I promise it’s a winner for busy nights and family dinners alike, and it might just become your new favorite way to transform leftovers into a dish everyone asks for again and again.

Print