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.
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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.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
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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.
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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
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