Name: Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300 g pasta (fusilli, penne, spaghetti, or linguine); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, sliced; 150 g mushrooms (or other vegetables), sliced; 3 cloves garlic; 300 g leftover turkey or chicken, shredded; 300 ml double (heavy) cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or fresh sage or basil); Grated parmesan cheese, to serve

If you’ve ever stared at a fridge full of leftover turkey wondering what on earth to do with it, I’ve got just the answer for you. This Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to transform those remnants of a roast into a cozy, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or just a quick dinner win, stick around because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and seriously simple.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Leftover Magic: Turns leftover turkey (or chicken!) into a creamy, comforting pasta dish.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy to adapt with your favorite veggies or herbs for a personal touch.
Family Approved: My family jumps at seconds every time I make it.

A white pot filled with creamy cooked rotini pasta mixed with light brown cooked chicken strips and small brown mushrooms, sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs on top, a silver spoon rests inside the pot lifting some pasta. Below the pot, there is a white plate with a serving of the same pasta topped with more green herbs and a light sprinkle of grated cheese. To the side, a block of light yellow cheese and a metal grater rest on a blue striped cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Turkey Pasta, leftover turkey pasta, quick turkey pasta, easy creamy pasta, Thanksgiving turkey recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in simple, fresh ingredients that blend beautifully. When I shop for pasta dishes like this creamy turkey pasta recipe, I always pick fresh herbs and really good quality cream to get that lush texture.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked fusilli pasta, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a thinly sliced white onion arranged in a neat pile, fresh whole white mushrooms sliced, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, shredded pieces of cooked turkey meat, a small white bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, a small white bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Turkey Pasta, leftover turkey pasta, quick turkey pasta, easy creamy pasta, Thanksgiving turkey recipes

Pasta: Fusilli works wonderfully by holding onto the sauce, but penne, spaghetti, or linguine are all great choices too.
Olive oil: Look for extra virgin for the best flavor when sautéing your veggies.
Onion: Sliced thin to soften perfectly and add sweetness.
Mushrooms: Sliced; they add an earthy depth that complements the turkey.
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring that punchy aroma essential for any creamy pasta.
Leftover turkey or chicken: Shredded is best — I like doing this while the meat is still a bit warm.
Double (heavy) cream: For richness and that silky sauce texture everyone loves.
Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to brighten the dish with herbaceous notes; fresh sage or basil also work well if you want a twist.
Parmesan cheese: Grated for topping — this is the ultimate finishing touch.
Salt and pepper: To taste, always taste as you go to get it just right.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I really enjoy about this Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve experimented with a few tweaks over the years to suit what’s in my fridge or my mood on any given night.

Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in spinach or kale at the end for a pop of green and extra nutrients—it blends right in without fuss.
Swap Proteins: No leftover turkey? No problem! Leftover chicken or even cooked sausage makes the sauce just as delicious.
Herb Tweaks: Fresh sage or basil instead of parsley changes the flavor profile subtly—try whichever herb you have on hand.
Lightened Up: I’ve made it with half cream, half milk for a lighter version, and it still tastes super creamy and indulgent.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling your pasta in plenty of salted water. I like to keep it just al dente because it’ll soak up a bit of the creamy sauce later. Don’t forget to save a few tablespoons of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s a small step that really helps the sauce cling beautifully to every twist and turn of the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add the sliced onions. Cover them with a lid to soften gently over low heat without browning—that sweetness is key. After a few minutes, crank the heat and add mushrooms, frying them until they develop a lovely golden-brown color. This caramelization stage brings a warm, earthy depth to your creamy turkey pasta recipe.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Turkey, Then Cream

Lower the heat again and toss in the garlic and shredded leftover turkey. Cook for a couple of minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the turkey heats through. Pour in your double cream, season with salt and pepper, then let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken just a bit and become that irresistible creamy blanket for your pasta.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Parsley

Drain your pasta, reserving those magic tablespoons of cooking water we mentioned. Toss both pasta and reserved water into the sauce and stir everything well. Then sprinkle in half your chopped parsley, folding it through to infuse some fresh, bright flavor. This simple step wakes up all the ingredients and brings it all together perfectly for your creamy turkey pasta recipe.

Step 5: Serve with Parmesan and Extra Herbs

Dish up your pasta and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an avalanche of grated Parmesan cheese. I always let my family add their own so everyone gets exactly the cheesiness they crave. You’ll love how the cheese melts down into that rich sauce—pure comfort in a bowl.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe

Use Reserved Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
Don’t Overcook Your Onions: Soft and translucent is what you want—avoid browning for sweeter, milder flavor.
Shred Turkey While Warm: I find turkey shreds easier and fluffs up nicer if it’s still a bit warm after cooking.
Keep Sauce on Low Simmer: High heat can cause cream to split; slow and steady is key for silky smooth texture.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with spiral pasta layered with light-colored shredded chicken and small bits of mushrooms. The top layer has finely grated cheese scattered evenly, which looks soft and slightly fluffy, and fresh green herb leaves spread all over, adding a fresh contrast. The background has a white marbled texture with a piece of cheese and a pan of more pasta slightly out of focus. The overall look is creamy and fresh, with natural light highlighting the details of the pasta and herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Turkey Pasta, leftover turkey pasta, quick turkey pasta, easy creamy pasta, Thanksgiving turkey recipes

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley here—it adds just the right pop of color and a hint of brightness to cut through the richness. Generous shavings or grated Parmesan cheese make it even more irresistible. Sometimes I throw on a little cracked black pepper and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving for that extra something.

Side Dishes

For sides, you’ll find that a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is another classic companion—I love it for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Steamed or roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus also round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes plate the creamy turkey pasta in individual shallow bowls and top each with a few whole parsley leaves and a Parmesan crisp. It makes the dish feel a little extra special without much fuss. You could even swap the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb twist that’s just as cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2-3 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce overnight, so I always add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back that fresh-from-the-pan creaminess.

Freezing

This creamy turkey pasta recipe freezes pretty well if you store it in a freezer-safe container. Just be aware that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, so thaw gently in the fridge and reheat slowly while stirring carefully to bring it back together.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on low heat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk added to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—you’ll just want to do it in short bursts and stir often to avoid overheating and curdling the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken is a fantastic swap and works just as well in this recipe, providing that same tender, savory protein base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
What pasta type is best for this recipe?

I usually go with fusilli because the spirals catch the creamy sauce beautifully, but penne, spaghetti, or linguine are all great alternatives. Ultimately, choose whichever pasta you have on hand or prefer.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Keep your heat low when adding and simmering the cream. High heat or rapid boiling can cause separation. Stir gently and let it reduce slowly for the best silky texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Try swapping the double cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free sauce, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives if you want that cheesy finish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that always brings a smile to my face. It’s incredibly easy, forgiving, and satisfies that craving for rich, comforting food without any stress. Next time you have leftover turkey (or just want a cozy pasta dinner), give this recipe a go—you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for it. Trust me, it’s a winner every single time!