Name: Turkey Pot Pie Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk or half-and-half; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Table of Contents: Turkey Pot Pie Pasta

Turkey Pot Pie Pasta

Tired of the same old turkey sandwiches? Transform your holiday leftovers or simple ground turkey into the coziest, creamiest, and most satisfying one-pot meal your family will beg for.

There’s a special kind of magic in a dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s the comfort of a classic pot pie, with its savory filling and creamy sauce, combined with the hearty, family-friendly appeal of pasta. This Turkey Pot Pie Pasta is exactly that kind of magic. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed for busy weeknights, bustling family dinners, and, most importantly, for giving delicious purpose to those post-holiday refrigerator treasures .

For many of us, especially those of us who remember the joy of a from-scratch Sunday supper, the appeal of this dish is twofold. First, it delivers the iconic, nostalgic flavors of a homemade pot pie—tender vegetables, savory turkey, and a rich, creamy gravy—but without the fuss of making and baking a crust . Second, it achieves this feat gloriously in just one pot. That means more time spent at the table with loved ones and significantly less time facing a sink full of dishes. Whether you’re using up leftover roast turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, or starting fresh with a package of ground turkey, this recipe is your shortcut to a deeply satisfying, homemade meal .

What Else Can I Call This Dish?

You might find this beloved recipe under a few different names, but they all point to the same delightful comfort food. If you’re searching for inspiration, look for:

Leftover Turkey Pasta: The perfect description for its post-holiday superpower .

Pot Pie Style Pasta: Highlights the classic flavor profile in pasta form .
Creamy Turkey Noodles: A simple and accurate name that focuses on the texture and main components .
One-Pan Turkey Pasta Dinner
Ground Turkey and Veggie Pasta Skillet

Turkey Pot Pie Pasta: Your New Family Favorite

This recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor. Using mostly pantry staples and fresh aromatics, it comes together to create something truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients: Turkey Pot Pie Pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium yellow onion, small diced
1 cup diced carrots (about 1 large carrot)
1 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ pounds ground turkey (or about 2 ½ cups diced cooked leftover turkey)
1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon no-salt added Italian seasoning (poultry seasoning is a great substitute for a more “Thanksgiving” flavor )
12 ounces farfalle (bow-tie) pasta, uncooked (any short, shaped pasta works well )

2 cups chicken broth
2 cups 2% milk (whole or 1% also work; avoid fat-free to prevent separation )
1 cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, creamy pasta dish.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or pot with a lid, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic, along with ¼ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables just begin to soften and become fragrant .

Cook the Turkey:
- If using ground turkey: Add it to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and the Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the turkey is browned and cooked through .
- If using cooked leftover turkey: Add the diced turkey to the pot, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and the Italian seasoning, and stir for about 1 minute just to warm it through and coat it in the flavors .

Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the uncooked farfalle pasta, chicken broth, and milk to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged .
Simmer to Cook: Cover the pot and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Keep the pot covered and cook for 10 minutes, uncovering to stir frequently. This is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot .
Finish Cooking Uncovered: Uncover the pot. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 2 to 10 minutes. The time will vary based on your pasta shape and pot. You’re looking for the pasta to be just cooked to al dente and for the liquid to be mostly absorbed, creating a creamy sauce. Don’t worry if the sauce looks a little separated at this stage; it will come together .

Add the Final Touch: Once the pasta is done, stir in the cup of frozen peas. Cover the pot, remove it from the heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the residual heat to warm the peas perfectly and lets any remaining liquid absorb, thickening the sauce further .
Serve and Enjoy: Give the pasta a final stir. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper, if desired.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 6 | Approximate Calories: 415 per serving

Why This Recipe Works & Chef’s Tips

The genius of this pot pie style pasta lies in its method. Cooking the pasta directly in the seasoned broth and milk allows it to absorb all that incredible flavor, resulting in a more deeply seasoned dish than if the pasta were boiled separately. The starches released from the pasta also help naturally thicken the sauce into a creamy, cohesive coating without needing a heavy flour roux .

Here are some expert tips for guaranteed success:

Pot Size Matters: Use a large pot or Dutch oven with a lid. The pasta needs room to expand as it cooks .
Stir, Then Stir Some More: Frequent stirring, especially after the first 10 minutes of covered cooking, is the #1 trick to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking .

Keep the Simmer Low: A gentle, low simmer is key. A rolling boil can cause the dairy to separate. If it does separate slightly, don’t panic—it often comes back together at the end. A splash of extra broth can also help re-emulsify it .
Make It Your Own: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a gluten-free version, use a short, shaped brown rice pasta . Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli . Swapping the Italian seasoning for poultry seasoning will give it a more traditional holiday flavor .

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

This creamy turkey noodles dish makes fantastic leftovers. To store, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days .

Reheating is easy. The best method is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a small splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency . You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.

A note on freezing: While some pasta dishes freeze well, creamy sauces made with milk or cream can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed and reheated. For best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated . If you must freeze it, expect a slight change in the sauce’s creaminess upon reheating.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

This Turkey Pot Pie Pasta recipe is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a blueprint for easy, reliable comfort any night of the week. It captures the soul-warming essence of a homemade pot pie and delivers it in a fuss-free, family-pleasing format. I hope it finds a permanent spot in your recipe rotation and brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Share your results, your own clever twists, or any questions in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more easy, delicious recipes every week!

If you loved this one-pot wonder, here are some other comforting recipes you’re sure to enjoy: