Name: Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 300 g pasta (fusilli, penne, spaghetti, or linguine); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, sliced; 150 g mushrooms, sliced (or other vegetables); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 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, for serving

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and ridiculously easy dinner, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe. This is one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together faster than you’d expect, especially if you have some leftover turkey lying around. I absolutely love how this turns out creamy and indulgent, yet you’ll find it’s super approachable and forgiving — perfect for weeknights or a casual weekend dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Creamy: The rich sauce clings beautifully to every bite of pasta and tender turkey, making it super satisfying.
Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is the ultimate solution if you’re wondering what to do with leftover turkey or chicken.
Flexible Ingredient Swaps: Mushrooms can be swapped for your favorite veggies, and herbs can be tailored to your pantry.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes, it fits beautifully into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.

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, easy Thanksgiving leftovers dinner, comforting pasta with turkey, quick turkey pasta recipe, rich creamy pasta dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these simple ingredients combine into something truly special. The cream adds that velvety texture, while fresh parsley brightens things up. Here’s a quick heads-up on what you’ll want to have on hand.

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, easy Thanksgiving leftovers dinner, comforting pasta with turkey, quick turkey pasta recipe, rich creamy pasta dish

Pasta: I typically reach for fusilli because it holds the creamy sauce so well, but penne, spaghetti, or linguine are excellent too.
Olive Oil: The base for softening onions and mushrooms – don’t skip it, as it adds depth of flavor.
Onion: Sliced thinly, it gently sweetens the sauce.
Mushrooms: Fresh and sliced—if you want, you can swap in bell peppers or zucchini for a veggie twist.
Garlic: It’s the secret aromatics powerhouse here; use fresh cloves for the best impact.
Leftover Turkey or Chicken: Shredded, this is what transforms the dish into a hearty meal—don’t have leftovers? No worries, I’ll cover that below.
Double (Heavy) Cream: Creates the luscious sauce that makes you swoon.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, so don’t forget to taste as you go.
Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped, it adds a herbaceous freshness that balances the richness.
Grated Parmesan: To finish, because what’s creamy pasta without that cheesy touch?

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

This Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe is like a blank canvas for your cravings. I often tweak it depending on what’s in the fridge, and I encourage you to make it your own!

Veggie Boost: I sometimes swap mushrooms for spinach or add roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Using coconut cream instead of heavy cream works for those avoiding dairy, though the flavor shifts a bit.
Herb Swaps: If parsley isn’t your thing, try sage or fresh basil — both add their own unique flair.
Protein Choices: No leftover turkey? Use leftover chicken or even cooked sausage for a different twist.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta. I usually follow the package instructions but like mine just al dente to keep a bit of bite since the sauce is quite rich. Pro tip: reserve a couple of tablespoons of the pasta water before draining — it helps loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add the sliced onions. Cover with a lid and cook gently on low heat for about 3 minutes to soften them without browning. Then crank up the heat and toss in the mushrooms, stirring frequently for around 3 minutes until both onions and mushrooms have a golden, caramelized color. This step brings out such amazing flavor — don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Turkey, Then Cream

Lower the heat to prevent burning and stir in the minced garlic and shredded turkey. Cook for another couple of minutes to warm the turkey through. Now pour in the cream, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it’s thickened a bit and the turkey is piping hot all the way through.

Step 4: Toss Pasta in Sauce and Finish

Drain your pasta, reserving that cooking water you set aside, then add both to the pan with your sauce. Stir everything together, adding a little pasta water if the sauce feels too thick — this is the trick I discovered to get that silky consistency. Finish by stirring in half of your fresh parsley, then transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and heap on plenty of grated parmesan. Trust me, don’t hold back on the cheese here; it’s what takes this dish to the next level.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe

Sauté Low and Slow: Cooking onions gently before mushrooms prevents bitterness and brings out sweetness in the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: A couple of tablespoons of that starchy water makes the sauce silky and helps it stick to the pasta perfectly.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Add it after mushrooms so it stays fragrant without turning bitter from high heat.
Use Quality Cream: Double cream gives the sauce that indulgent texture and richness without curdling—avoid substitutes for best results.

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, easy Thanksgiving leftovers dinner, comforting pasta with turkey, quick turkey pasta recipe, rich creamy pasta dish

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a mound of grated parmesan right at the table. Sometimes, I add a quick drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous. These simple touches brighten the dish and add that restaurant-quality feel.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some garlic roasted broccoli. The brightness is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy sauce. Crusty bread also works beautifully if you love mopping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate this pasta in shallow bowls and add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sautéed fresh wild mushrooms on top for a bit of texture and elegance. A simple edible flower garnish makes it even more festive and shows off your kitchen creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — which hopefully you do because I always make extra — store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. I recommend stirring in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to refresh that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamy turkey pasta once or twice with decent results. Just be aware the sauce can separate slightly upon thawing, so freeze it without the parmesan and add fresh cheese when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm it slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen everything up. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it often makes the sauce a bit grainy or splits the cream.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this creamy pasta recipe?

Absolutely! This Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe works perfectly with leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken. The flavors blend nicely, and cooking times are the same. It’s a great way to use whatever cooked poultry you have on hand.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream in this recipe?

You can swap the double cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute, though the sauce will have a slightly different taste and texture. I recommend adding it slowly and tasting as you go to balance the flavors.
How can I make this Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe spicier?

To add a kick, try tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions or sprinkle chili flakes on top when serving. A dash of hot sauce mixed into the cream can also brighten up the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine them just before serving. The sauce reheats well, and reheating together helps the flavors meld. Just add a bit of reserved pasta water or cream to refresh the sauce’s texture when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Turkey Pasta Recipe has become a family favorite of mine because it brings together comfort and quick dinners in a way that feels special yet totally doable. Whether you’re reviving leftover turkey or just craving something cozy, you’ll enjoy how easy it is to whip up and how deeply satisfying the final dish tastes. Give it a try—I promise it’ll soon be your go-to creamy pasta fix!