If you love one pot meals like me, then you'll love this one pot turkey pasta recipe. Perfectly creamy and cheesy and super easy to make - with very little clean up.
This is the kind of dish I like to whip up using the Thanksgiving leftover turkey, or after Christmas. It's easy, the kids just love it and I've usually always got all the ingredients.
Jump to:
What makes this recipe so yummy
- Only the one pot to have to wash up.
- Using up the leftover turkey.
- You could use any leftover meat in this recipe. Ham, steak, pork chops....
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Turkey
- Pasta
- Milk
- Chicken Broth
- Cajun Seasoning
- Mustard Powder
- Cornstarch
- Sharp White Cheddar
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Add the olive oil to a heavy bottomed pot, like a Dutch Oven, turn on a medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the diced onions and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the turkey, chicken broth, milk, cajun seasoning, mustard powder and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Turn down to a simmer, add the pasta, stir and cover the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Once the pasta has cooked all the way, mix the cornstarch with a little water and add to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Once the pot has become bubbly again turn off the heat.
- Step 7: Stir well and add the grated white cheddar. Stir well to combine and until the cheese has all melted.
- Step 8: Serve while hot and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Hint: Use any leftover meat you have with this recipe. It works well. Or, you can brown some lean ground turkey, it works just as well.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Parmesan Cheese - sprinkle a little at the end - or add some with the cheddar.
- Red Bell Pepper - add some for some added sweetness.
- Fresh Basil - add a little right at the end.
- Chili Powder - for some heat.
- Sour Cream - for richness.
- Green Chiles - for a more Mexican flavor.
- Garlic Powder - if you don't have fresh garlic.
- Red Pepper Flakes - for some added heat.
- Fresh Baby Spinach - add some at the end of the cooking time.
- Fresh Herbs - more seasoning ideas.
- Pasta - rotini pasta, shells, macaroni elbows, whole-wheat pasta - really here the world is your oyster. Any pasta is fine.
- Balsamic Vinegar - adds a silkiness to the sauce.
- Tomato Paste - to add more of a tomato based flavor to the sauce.
Sharing is Caring - Like Our Facebook Page
Necessary gear: Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I like to use my big Dutch Oven for this recipe (I have an affiliate link in the recipe card below).
Or, you could use a large skillet too.
Similar recipes I think you'll love
- Leftover Turkey Roll Ups
- Cajun Turkey Breast
- Pastalaya
- Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake
- Cajun Turkey Brine
- Leftover Prime Rib French Dip
For another one pot meal - or there abouts - try this John Wayne Casserole. It's one of my favorite weeknight meals!
How to store leftovers
Once the dish has cooled completely store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Mel's kitchen notes
Swap out any pasta, any cheese, any leftover meat.
If you’ve tried this One Pot Turkey Pasta Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes!
Viral Recipe Alert!
Bisquick Breakfast Bake
Wake up to this irresistibly cheesy, savory Bisquick Breakfast Bake! Packed with eggs, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, it's the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing morning dish. One bite, and you're hooked!
One Pot Turkey Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 Each Yellow Onions diced
- 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
- ½ Pound Leftover Turkey chopped into small pieces
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder
- 1-½ teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- 2-½ Cups Penne Pasta uncooked
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1-½ Cups Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- In a large cooking pot, like a Dutch Oven, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat.1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- Add the diced onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.1 Each Yellow Onions
- Add the minced garlic and cook another 2 minutes, until fragrant.4 Cloves Garlic
- Add the turkey, chicken broth, milk, mustard powder and cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil.½ Pound Leftover Turkey, 2 Cups Chicken Broth, 1 Cup Milk, 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder, 1-½ teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- Add the pasta and give a good stir. Push down on the pasta to make sure it's all covered with the broth. Cover and turn down the heat to a simmer.2-½ Cups Penne Pasta
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, without lifting the lid.
- After 10 minutes is up lift the lid and give a good stir. Check if the pasta is done. Cook a little longer if needed.
- Once the pasta has cooked, at least to al dente, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Pour into the pasta mixture and stir well.Once totally combined and the pot is bubbling again turn off the heat.1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- Add the grated cheese to the pot and stir well to combine and melt.1-½ Cups Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
Notes
Nutrition
Sign Up for my emails and never miss another recipe!
I'll never share your email, or send you spam. Pinkie Promise!
Comments
No Comments