Description

This comforting Turkey Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for a family meal. Combining tender pasta, creamy sauce, savory turkey, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping, it offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures that satisfy the palate. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole makes a wonderful way to use leftover turkey or chicken, enhanced with nutritious vegetables and a creamy mushroom soup base.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauces

1 pound pasta (rotini, shells, etc.)
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
1 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup (118ml) nonfat milk
½ cup (118ml) chicken broth (or water or turkey stock)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Protein and Vegetables

1 10-12 ounce bag frozen vegetables, thawed
2 ½ cups (345g) cooked turkey or chicken (shredded or cubed)

Topping

1 ½ cups (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
4 tablespoons (57g) melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture through baking.
Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, combine the softened cream cheese with the cream of mushroom soup in a mixing bowl. Gradually mix in the nonfat milk, chicken broth, ground black pepper, and garlic powder until fully blended into a creamy sauce.
Combine Ingredients: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce mixture. Stir in the thawed vegetables and shredded or cubed cooked turkey, mixing well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the pasta and turkey mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the Topping: Place the Ritz crackers in a large gallon-size plastic bag. Add the melted butter to the bag and gently squeeze and shake to coat the crackers with butter, creating a crumbly topping.
Add the Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the turkey casserole hot. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

An amazing savory dish combining the richness of cream cheese and mushroom soup with the texture of vegetables and turkey.
The crispy Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch and buttery flavor.
You can substitute turkey with cooked chicken if preferred or to use leftovers.
Vegetables can be varied according to taste or availability; peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables work well.
Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid sogginess after baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 536 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg