If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with an irresistible flavor twist, let me introduce you to this Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake. This hearty casserole brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, smoky turkey, a velvety cheese sauce, and a golden topping—all baked to bubbling perfection! Whether you’re clearing out the fridge after the holidays or just craving something that really satisfies, this dish will totally steal the show at family dinner. It’s creamy, savory, and oh-so-easy to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake is in how a handful of familiar ingredients come together for a show-stopping casserole. Each one plays a starring role from the luscious cheese sauce to the smoky turkey, creating layers of flavor, texture, and color in every bite.
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta: Go for your favorite shape—these sturdy noodles soak up all that cheesy sauce and bake up perfectly!
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced): Use leftovers or quickly poach some chicken for protein-packed bites.
- 1 cup smoked turkey breast (diced): The smokiness sets this bake apart from ordinary casseroles—holiday leftovers work great!
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For a rich base that carries all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce for dream-level creaminess.
- 2 cups whole milk: Whole milk provides a silky, decadent texture (but you can substitute 2% in a pinch).
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, classic cheesiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For ooey-gooey melts and stretch factor!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty top note and perfects the topping.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds gentle, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savoriness without extra chopping.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: That subtle smoky punch ties the whole bake together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Just enough to enhance, not overpower.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Into fresh flavors or want a pop of color? Parsley’s your friend.
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for topping): For a little crunch and golden finish.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick greasing—nonstick spray or a swipe of butter both work. Next, cook your penne or rotini pasta in a big pot of salted water just until al dente, following package directions. You want the noodles to still have a little bite since they’ll cook more in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux—this cooks off any raw flour taste. After about 1-2 minutes, gradually pour in your milk, still whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until your sauce gets thick and velvety, around 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of your Parmesan cheese until melty and glossy. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Get ready for your kitchen to start smelling amazing at this point!
Step 3: Combine the Pasta, Poultry, and Sauce
Add your drained pasta, diced chicken, and smoky turkey to the cheese sauce and give it all a thorough mix. Make sure every noodle and piece of meat is coated in that rich, flavorful sauce. This is where the Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake really comes together as a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Pour everything into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’re in the mood for a crispy, golden topping, combine your remaining Parmesan with seasoned breadcrumbs and sprinkle them over the casserole. For an extra hit of smokiness, feel free to dust the topping with just a pinch more smoked paprika—it’s optional, but highly recommended!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole bubbles joyfully and the topping is beautifully golden. If you went for the breadcrumbs, you’ll be rewarded with that irresistible crunchy bite when you dig in. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving so it can set up—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Just before serving, shower the bake with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. This little touch adds a burst of color and brings a lovely, mild freshness to balance all that creamy, cheesy bliss. If you want to add even more pizzazz, try a light grating of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake is absolutely hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette makes the perfect partner. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce, and some roasted broccoli or green beans add color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider portioning the pasta bake into individual ramekins—you’ll get adorable mini casseroles with plenty of those coveted golden edges. Serving it atop a bed of sautéed greens elevates dinner party vibes. And don’t forget: bright serving platters and colorful napkins make this cozy dish extra inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bake holds up beautifully and keeps its flavors and creamy texture with each reheat, making it a popular next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake is surprisingly freezer-friendly. After it’s cooled completely, wrap individual portions or the whole unbaked casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating for best results!
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, covering the dish to prevent drying out. To reheat larger portions, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly—about 15-20 minutes. Garnish fresh again and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini hold the sauce well, but feel free to swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even ziti. Just aim for shapes that can stand up to a creamy, cheesy casserole and soak up all that flavor.
How can I make the Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake gluten-free?
It’s easy: simply use your preferred gluten-free pasta and substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend when making the roux. Gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs are widely available for the crunchy topping, or you can skip the breadcrumbs entirely if you prefer.
Can I add vegetables to the Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake?
Definitely—veggies turn this casserole into a one-dish wonder! Try stirring in a handful of baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or thawed frozen peas just before baking for tasty pops of color and added nutrition.
What if I don’t have smoked turkey on hand?
No worries! You can use all chicken, leftover roasted turkey, or even a bit of ham for a different kind of smokiness. The recipe is flexible, so use whatever cooked proteins you love or have waiting in the fridge.
Can I prepare the bake ahead of time and bake it later?
Absolutely, and it’s a great make-ahead dish! Assemble everything right up until the baking step, cover tightly, and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking so it stays crisp, then bake as directed (you may need an extra 5 minutes if baking straight from cold).
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food but want that wow factor at the table, this Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake is sure to become your new favorite. It’s creamy, satisfying, and so versatile—perfect for a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends. I can’t wait for you to give it a try! Let me know how it turns out in your kitchen.
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Cheesy Chicken and Smoked Turkey Pasta Bake, a flavorful combination of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and smoky turkey in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or using up holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Meat:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced)
- 1 cup smoked turkey breast (diced)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish/Topping:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cheeses, season, and add pasta, chicken, and turkey.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into baking dish. Optionally, mix remaining Parmesan with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, add smoked paprika to the breadcrumb topping.
- You can use rotisserie chicken or holiday turkey as substitutes in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
