If you love creamy, comforting pasta dishes as much as I do, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe. Whether you’re using up leftover turkey or craving something warm and indulgent, this recipe hits that perfect balance of rich sauce, tender pasta, and savory turkey that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, I discovered this trick when I wanted to shake up my leftover turkey game, and now it’s a fall favorite in my house.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Cozy: It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly nights or holiday leftovers.
Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need you probably already have, no fancy shopping required.
Flexible and Family-Friendly: You can swap peas for your favorite veggies or use any pasta shape you like.
Quick Comfort Food: Ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish, even on busy weeknights.

A white plate holds a serving of creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with bright green peas. On top, two thick, cooked pieces of golden brown chicken sit side by side, sprinkled lightly with grated cheese. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light cream sauce with some black pepper visible. A silver fork and spoon rest on the left side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface and in the upper right corner, there is a cheese grater with some grated cheese on it, along with a larger piece of cheese. A second white plate with the same dish is partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Alfredo Pasta, creamy turkey pasta, easy turkey pasta recipe, fall comfort food, leftover turkey pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a velvety sauce with just the right balance of flavor and creaminess. I always recommend using fresh Parmesan cheese if you can—it makes a huge difference! Also, warming your milk and broth before adding them to the roux helps prevent lumps, which is a cooking trick I learned early on and swear by.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked fettuccine pasta neatly coiled, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a quarter of a yellow onion diced into small pieces on a simple white plate, several whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a tiny pinch of whole nutmeg seeds next to a white bowl of warm whole milk, another small white bowl containing warm low sodium turkey broth, a small white bowl heaped with grated Parmesan cheese, a mound of cooked turkey meat chunks fresh and moist, a small white bowl filled with bright green frozen peas, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all ingredients arranged with balanced spacing and perfect symmetry placed on a 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 - Turkey Alfredo Pasta, creamy turkey pasta, easy turkey pasta recipe, fall comfort food, leftover turkey pasta

Pasta: I used fettuccine for its wide ribbons that hold the sauce beautifully, but grab your favorite noodle.
Unsalted Butter: Gives a clean base flavor so you can control the saltiness yourself.
Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; cook until just translucent to keep it light.
Minced Garlic: Infuses the sauce with that irresistible aroma—don’t rush this step!
All-Purpose Flour: The magic that thickens your sauce into creamy perfection.
Nutmeg: Just a tiny pinch brightens the creaminess and adds warmth.
Whole Milk: For richness and smoothness; warming it helps with a lump-free sauce.
Low Sodium Turkey or Chicken Broth: I love using turkey broth for extra flavor, but chicken broth works well too.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best and melts more evenly into the sauce.
Cooked Turkey: Cubed, sliced, or shredded—whatever texture you prefer.
Frozen Peas: They add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness—the perfect contrast.
Salt and Pepper: To taste; essential for bringing all the flavors together.

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

I like to play around with this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe depending on what I have on hand or special dietary needs. It’s super versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own. I find that a few tweaks can turn it into a brand new meal every time!

Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey and add mushrooms or roasted veggies for a hearty meatless meal I actually crave.
Make it Spicy: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic—gives the sauce a nice kick my family loves.
Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for an ultra-rich sauce that feels indulgent.
Herb Boost: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top makes it look gorgeous and freshens the flavors tremendously.

How to Make Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Pasta Perfectly Al Dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Here’s a tip: cook it about 2 minutes less than the package suggests so it stays perfectly al dente once cooked again in the sauce later. Before draining, save a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency!

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics Just Right

In a wide pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add diced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook gently for about 2 minutes until the edges get translucent—that’s when sweetness really builds. Then, add minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds; too long and it might brown and turn bitter.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce Base

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes. This cooks out that raw flour taste and helps the sauce thicken evenly. Gradually pour in the warmed milk and then the broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Turn the heat down to low and let this simmer gently until your pasta is ready.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Add-ins

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to move the pasta directly into your sauce pan—no need to drain completely; a bit of that pasta water helps loosen the sauce. Stir in frozen peas and Parmesan cheese until everything looks silky and well-coated. Add extra pasta water bit by bit if the sauce feels too thick.

Step 5: Finish with Turkey and Seasoning

Fold in your cooked turkey gently to warm through. Give the whole dish a final taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Serve this immediately because it’s best enjoyed fresh and creamy—although leftovers are great too!

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Pro Tips for Making Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Save That Pasta Water: It’s perfect for loosening the sauce without watering down flavor.
Warm Your Liquids: Warm milk and broth prevent lumps and give a silkier sauce texture.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Adding garlic too early can make it bitter—30 seconds is plenty.
Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and boosts the overall flavor unlike the pre-grated stuff.

How to Serve Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with three slices of golden-brown grilled chicken placed on top. The pasta is mixed with bright green peas and coated in a smooth white sauce. Sprinkled parmesan cheese and black pepper garnish the dish. A spoon and fork rest on the left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth napkin visible on the right side and a small piece of grated cheese and a grater partially seen toward the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Alfredo Pasta, creamy turkey pasta, easy turkey pasta recipe, fall comfort food, leftover turkey pasta

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil—it adds a lovely freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a little lemon zest for a subtle brightness that really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are must-haves in my book—they’re perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served Turkey Alfredo Pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan and edible flowers for a bit of fun flair. You can also bake it briefly with a bit of mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden crust that really elevates the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Turkey Alfredo pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so you’ll want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

This Turkey Alfredo Pasta freezes pretty well, but I recommend freezing the sauce and turkey separately from the pasta if possible. Pasta can get a bit mushy when thawed. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a little milk to revive the creaminess.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth as needed. Microwave reheating works too—just add a little liquid and cover loosely to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked turkey. Just cube or shred your turkey and add it toward the end of cooking to warm it through without drying it out.
What pasta works best for Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Fettuccine is my personal favorite because its wide, flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. That said, penne, linguine, or even rigatoni will work just fine if you want to switch it up.
Can I make this dish dairy-free or lower in fat?

You can use plant-based milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives to keep it dairy-free. For a lighter version, swap whole milk for a lower-fat milk and reduce the butter—but keep in mind the sauce might be a bit less creamy.
How do I prevent lumps in the Alfredo sauce?

Warming your milk and broth before adding them to the roux and whisking constantly helps prevent lumps. If you do get any, straining the sauce through a fine mesh sieve usually smooths it out perfectly.
Can I add other vegetables to this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Definitely! Frozen peas are my go-to, but you can swap or add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers depending on your taste and what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe turns out every time. It’s that kind of meal that feels homemade and special without any fuss—perfect for treating yourself or feeding a hungry family. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do. Give it a try and let me know what variations you come up with—I’m always up for swapping ideas over a bowl of creamy pasta!