Slow cooker turkey pasta: a weeknight wonder that's become a staple in our house. It all started with a mountain of leftover Thanksgiving turkey one year, and the burning question: what to do with it all? Instead of the usual sandwiches, I craved something comforting, something warm, and something easy. That's how this simple, delicious recipe was born. Slow cooker turkey pasta is pure comfort food, and it's so ridiculously easy to throw together. I know you're going to love it!
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This slow cooker turkey pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a memory infused with warmth and good times. It’s like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to curl up on the couch.
Why You Will Love This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
This is seriously the best slow cooker turkey pasta recipe, and here’s why. It’s incredibly comforting, filling, and packed with flavor. Plus, using a slow cooker means minimal effort for maximum reward. You just dump everything in, set it, forget it, and a few hours later, you have a hearty and delicious meal. I love that it’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked turkey, chicken, or even rotisserie chicken! Think of it as the perfect canvas for your favorite pantry staples. Remember to check out my Protein Cookie Recipe for a post dinner treat.
This recipe is special because it’s endlessly customizable. Don’t have pasta on hand? Use rice! Prefer different vegetables? Toss them in! It’s a truly versatile recipe that adapts to your taste and what you have available. The best part? Even the pickiest eaters will devour it. Seriously, even my nephew who usually avoids vegetables eats a whole bowl of this slow cooker turkey pasta!
Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker turkey pasta. Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or two, as mentioned above it’s a pretty flexible recipe!
- Cooked Turkey: 2 cups, shredded
- Pasta: 1 pound, your favorite shape (penne, rotini, farfalle all work well)
- Tomato Sauce: 24 ounces
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
- Optional Vegetables: 1 cup, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, chopped
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving, grated
How to Make This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
Making this slow cooker turkey pasta is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps:
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
If you’re using optional vegetables, add them to the slow cooker now. This will give them enough time to soften during the cooking process.
Add uncooked pasta to the slow cooker stirring to combine.
Gently stir in the shredded cooked turkey. Make sure the turkey is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. The pasta should be tender and the sauce should be heated through.
Give the pasta a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed before serving. You want to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking together.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch.
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How to Serve This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
This slow cooker turkey pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Pairing Ideas: A light vinaigrette salad complements the richness of the pasta.
- Topping Recommendations: Fresh basil, a dollop of ricotta cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add extra flavor.
- Did you know I make a delectable Hamachi Crudo?
- Plating Ideas: Serve in a large bowl family style or plate individual portions. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley.
How to Store This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
Storing leftover slow cooker turkey pasta is simple:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in individual portions in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the pasta seems dry.
- Shelf Life: The pasta is best consumed within 3 days when refrigerated.
Tips to Make This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your slow cooker turkey pasta is a success:
- Ingredient Swaps: Substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth, or use different types of pasta. Also, feel free to switch up the vegetables!
- Success Tips: Don't overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Check it periodically during the last hour of cooking.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid adding too much liquid, as the slow cooker will create moisture as it cooks.
- Pro Tips: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Helpful Notes for This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
Here are a few extra notes to help you along the way:
- Ingredient Details: Use a high quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
- Equipment Recommendations: A 6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
- I know many of you are looking for ways to add more plant based recipes to your diet, be sure to check out my Vegan Waffle Recipe
Variation of This slow cooker turkey pasta Recipe
Get creative with these variations:
- Seasonal Twists: Add butternut squash or pumpkin puree for a fall flavored pasta.
- Optional Versions: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a spicy kick.
- Creative Modifications: Use Italian sausage instead of turkey, or add a dollop of pesto to the finished dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in slow cooker pasta?
Yes, you can definitely substitute cooked chicken for turkey in this slow cooker pasta recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious and easy meal.
What kind of pasta is best for slow cooker turkey pasta?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bow ties work best in slow cooker turkey pasta. These shapes hold up well to the long cooking time and don’t get too mushy.
How long does it take to cook turkey pasta in a slow cooker?
Typically, slow cooker turkey pasta will take 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low. Be sure to add the cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid it becoming overcooked.
Can I add vegetables to my slow cooker turkey pasta?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your slow cooker turkey pasta. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
Conclusion
This slow cooker turkey pasta recipe is a total game changer for busy weeknights. It's simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. It is going to become a family favorite. I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think!
Making this slow cooker turkey pasta has never been easier, and I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own! It encourages me, Martha Parker, to keep experimenting, learning, and sharing it with you, my readers.
Slow Cooker Turkey Pasta: The EASIEST Dinner EVER
A comforting and easy slow cooker pasta recipe perfect for using leftover turkey. This dish is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 12g
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded\n1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle)\n24 ounces tomato sauce\n1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained\n1 medium onion, chopped\n2 cloves garlic, minced\n1 cup chicken broth\n2 teaspoons Italian seasoning\n1 teaspoon salt, or to taste\n½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste\n1 cup optional vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms), chopped\nParmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir to combine.\nIf using vegetables, add them to the slow cooker now.\nAdd uncooked pasta to slow cooker stirring to combine.\nGently stir in the shredded cooked turkey. Make sure the turkey is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.\nCover and cook on low for 2 3 hours, or on high for 1 1.5 hours. Times may vary.\nGive the pasta a good stir to be sure everything is evenly distributed before serving.\nTaste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.\nServe hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For best results, use a high quality tomato sauce.\nCooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the pasta periodically during the last hour of cooking.\nAdd a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.\nStore leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.
