This Turkey Mushroom Baked Pasta loaded a creamy cheesy sauce is a delicious way to enjoy your turkey (or chicken) leftovers.
Hello, everyone. I hope you’re doing well. I’ve got two news for you today: bad and good. The bad news is that it’s Monday; however, by the time this blogpost is finished, you’d be probably home enjoying your evening. The good news is that January is almost over. Don’t get it wrong: I don’t mind any month of the year. But I am so happy to see more daylight, and days have gotten so much longer, right?
Technically, there’s another good news. This Turkey Mushroom Baked Pasta. Cheesy, gooey, and so rich, who would refuse a bowl?
Actually, that’s the last recipe from last year. I made this dish on Boxing Day, with out turkey leftovers. You can totally make it with chicken or even ham.
It’s a delicious and easy to make recipe which requires almost no action. The only one thing I’d strongly suggest is cooking away the moisture from mushrooms to intensify their flavour, prior to combining with other ingredients. Also, incorporating of dried mushrooms is optional, but it elevates the flavour profile. I am not a huge fan of flour-based sauces (Like white sauce), so a rich cream cheese-based sauce is my way to go. Feel free to switch to your favourite similar sauce. You can choose any hard cheese of your choice, but I think smoked cheddar works particularly well with this recipe.
As you can see, this is rather a versatile and customizable recipe. Whatever option you choose, I hope you make and enjoy this Turkey Mushroom Baked Pasta.
Cheers.
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups of cold cooked pasta (till al dente or even 1-2 minutes less)
- 2-3 cups of cooked shredded turkey meat
- 3 cups sliced brown mushrooms
- 1 tbsp. butter
- A pinch of salt
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp. fresh thyme and rosemary, each
- ½ cup mixed dried mushrooms + 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup 10% cream
- 1 cup light cream cheese
- A good pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 and 1/3 cup grated smoked cheddar (Or other hard cheese of your choice)
Instructions
- Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for about 15 minutes. Remove the mushrooms, and sieve the water through a sieve, 2-3 times. Reserve the liquid.
- In a large pan add the fresh mushrooms (without any oil) and cook on a dry pan for about 5 minutes, or until they released the water and it’s evaporated. Then add 1 tbsp. of butter, herbs, salt, and smoked paprika, and cook for about 5 minutes,
- In a small saucepan, combine about 2/3 cup of reserved mushroom liquid with the cream and cream cheese over medium heat, stirring, until the cream cheese is melted and incorporated and slightly thickened. Stir in the nutmeg. Off heat.
- In a large bowl combine the cooked pasta, turkey, mushrooms, sauce, and 1 cup of the cheese. Mix, try, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Transfer into a large baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of the cheese, and bake in the preheated to 180 degrees C oven, for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Enjoy.
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
I do love a good pasta bake Ben. And this is a brilliant way to use up leftovers, as you did with turkey on Boxing Day. We’re gradually seeing a little more daylight here. What I would really like is some more sun and less cold, wind and rain though!
Neil recently posted…Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf Cake
I was just noticing yesterday that it seems like the sun is coming up a little earlier! Poor Cookie has to wait for her walks until the sun is up and the coyotes have gone to bed, so I’m glad it’s finally getting light out sooner :) As for this dish, nothing beats baked pasta when you’re in need of comfort food! It sounds delicious!
This sounds delicious, Ben! Like you, I really appreciate that the sun is staying out just a bit later. I usually head out to get Robbie from preschool about the time the sun is setting, but lately the sun is still up when we get home. It’s awesome! You know what else is awesome? Cheesy pasta. This recipe is totally up my alley! It sounds delicious!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Pepperoni Pizza Bundtwich
This looks like amazing comfort food, rich, creamy and with cheese (sorry, smoked cheese = more awesome) on top. I’m reading this at 7am in the morning, and I’m still salivating over it!
Matt – Total Feasts recently posted…Cilantro Mint Chutney
I’m loving the increase in daylight, too, Ben! I love a nice pasta dish, especially if I can toss leftovers into it! Nice recipe!
Yes, I am so so ready for more daylight! However, I can’t believe the first month of 2020 is almost over.. i have a feeling it’s going to be summer before we know it! I better enjoy all the decadent, cheesy pasta before swimsuit season!! Needless to say, this creamy deliciousness is going on the dinner menu soon! It looks fabulous, Ben!
Cheyanne recently posted…Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu Bolognese