This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

Need ideas for using up that leftover turkey? This Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe is the best! I love a good pasta casserole – it’s such a great dinner. You can even swap rotisserie or leftover chicken if that’s what you have!

pasta and breadcrumbs and vegetables mixed together on a white plate


It never fails that I always have a ton of turkey leftovers during the holiday season. Turkey sandwiches get so boring – so this is why a creamy turkey casserole became an overnight sensation in my house – because everyone loved that there was a new and creative way to enjoy leftover turkey. Like my Chicken and Rice casserole, this recipe couldn’t be easier.

ingredients in turkey pasta laid out with words saying the ingredients names

Ingredients Needed

  • Pasta – Use any type of pasta that you’d like.
  • Cream cheese – Make sure that it’s softened before using. 
  • Can cream of mushroom soup – This gives the casserole a creamy texture. 
  • Nonfat milk – You can use any type of milk (regular or nondairy) that you’d like. 
  • Chicken broth (or water or turkey stock) – I also think adding bone broth is great. 
  • Frozen vegetables – Use your favorites and thaw them before adding. 
  • Cooked turkey or chicken – Be sure to shred or cube the meat for a better texture. I think that you could also use ground beef. 
  • Ritz crackers – Have the kids help out with the recipe by crushing up the crackers. 
  • Melted butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. 

Variations

  • You can easily use chicken. Just swap out the leftover turkey and use leftover chicken instead. This recipe is very similar to turkey tetrazzini, so it’s versatile in the ingredients. 
  • Don’t forget to change up the pasta that you use as well. I tend to use whatever I have in the pantry, and the kids never seem to mind. 
  • You can use different cream soups also. Cream of mushroom is great, but you can also use cream of chicken, too.  
  • Change up the vegetables to change up the taste. I tend to use frozen mixed veggies, but you can easily use just corn, peas, and green beans. (or anything else that you prefer!) 
  • You could also try to add some rice for even more texture. I would use white rice, but brown rice could be a great option, too. 

How to make Leftover Turkey Casserole

  1. Cook the pasta and while it’s cooking, mix the soup and cream cheese together in a large bowl and then add the milk, spices, and broth. 
  2. Once the pasta is done cooking, drain the pasta and add it to the soup mixture. Add in the veggies and turkey and stir and pour into casserole dish.
  3. Crush the crackers in a large gallon bag and add the melted butter. Squeeze the bag together to mix the two ingredients.
  4. Add the crumbs to the top of the pasta layer and bake until it’s bubbling and hot.
pasta and breadcrumbs and vegetables mixed together in a white pan

Storing and Make Ahead Instructions

If you have any leftovers of this turkey casserole with noodles, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also make this casserole recipe ahead of time and have it waiting in the fridge to bake. I would say that one day in advance is reasonable, and it’s a great way to save on prep time the next day. 

pasta and breadcrumbs and vegetables mixed together on a white plate

Turkey Casserole Recipe

5 from 21 votes
An amazing savory dish with chicken and vegetables and mixed with smashed ritz crackers!

Recipe Video

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Yield 8 servings
Serving Size 1 serving
Rate RecipePrint Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 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
  • 1 10-12 ounce bag frozen vegetables, thawed
  • 2 ½ cups (345g) cooked turkey or chicken (shredded or cubed)
  • 1 ½ cups about 30 ritz crackers, crushed
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) melted butter
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.
  • While pasta is cooking, mix cream cheese with soup, then mix in milk, broth and spices.
  • Drain pasta and add to soup mixture along with vegetables and turkey. Stir to combine.
  • Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Crush crackers in a large gallon size bag and add melted butter, mixing by squeezing the bag to incorporate butter throughout. Sprinkle cracker mixture over the top of the pasta in pan.
  • Bake until bubbly and heated through, approximately 15 minutes. Serve hot.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Recipe Notes

Notes:
  • You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or chicken. Just be sure to shred or dice it bite size.
  • Other cream soups may be substituted (i.e. cream of chicken or potato, etc)

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 596IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Author Dorothy Kern

Did you try this recipe? Click the stars to rate the recipe below

What to serve with Turkey Casserole

Even though casseroles are hearty and delicious on their own, there is always room for extra side dishes to be paired with them. 

Leftover Turkey Pasta Casserole Recipe is a creamy cheesy casserole with pasta and turkey – or use rotisserie chicken! The perfect easy weeknight meal done in 30 minutes.



Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

Learn More About Me
5 from 21 votes (20 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Great casserole! Used some leftover pasta instead of cooking 1 pound. Used leftover smoked turkey and a bag of frozen butternut squash chunks.

    Reply