If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you’ve got to try this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that’s insanely satisfying yet surprisingly easy to pull together—perfect for using up leftover turkey or simply indulging in a creamy, cheesy pasta that everyone loves. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Creamy Sauce: The homemade Alfredo sauce is rich without being heavy, thanks to a mix of butter, milk, and broth.
Perfect Use for Leftover Turkey: A delicious way to transform turkey into a brand new meal everyone goes crazy for.
Quick Weeknight Dinner: You’ll have this ready in about 30 minutes—comfort food does NOT need to be complicated.
Balanced Flavors: A tiny pinch of nutmeg adds unexpected warmth, balancing the cheesy richness perfectly.

A white plate holds a serving of creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with bright green peas. On top, two thick, cooked pieces of golden brown chicken sit side by side, sprinkled lightly with grated cheese. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light cream sauce with some black pepper visible. A silver fork and spoon rest on the left side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface and in the upper right corner, there is a cheese grater with some grated cheese on it, along with a larger piece of cheese. A second white plate with the same dish is partly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Alfredo Pasta, creamy turkey pasta, easy Alfredo pasta, leftover turkey recipes, cheesy pasta dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create a luscious sauce that’s perfectly coated on tender pasta, brightened by sweet peas, and packed with savory turkey. Quick tip: using warmed milk and broth helps your sauce come together super smoothly.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked fettuccine pasta neatly coiled, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a quarter of a yellow onion diced into small pieces on a simple white plate, several whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a tiny pinch of whole nutmeg seeds next to a white bowl of warm whole milk, another small white bowl containing warm low sodium turkey broth, a small white bowl heaped with grated Parmesan cheese, a mound of cooked turkey meat chunks fresh and moist, a small white bowl filled with bright green frozen peas, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all ingredients arranged with balanced spacing and perfect symmetry placed on a 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 - Turkey Alfredo Pasta, creamy turkey pasta, easy Alfredo pasta, leftover turkey recipes, cheesy pasta dinner

Fettuccine Pasta: I love fettuccine here because its wide ribbons hold onto the sauce like a dream, but feel free to swap with penne or linguine.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted lets you control the salt level better in the sauce.
Onion: I usually use about ¼ onion diced fine; it adds a subtle sweetness that plays well with the garlic.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce that irresistible savory punch.
All-Purpose Flour: The magic ingredient for thickening the sauce; whisk it well to avoid lumps.
Nutmeg: Just a tiny pinch elevates the flavor and gives a cozy depth.
Whole Milk: Warmed so it mixes smoothly into the roux, creating a creamy base without heaviness.
Low Sodium Turkey or Chicken Broth: I prefer low sodium to better control seasoning and add that gentle turkey aroma.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference—skip the pre-grated stuff for best melt and flavor.
Cooked Turkey: Use leftover turkey cubed, sliced, or shredded — whatever you have on hand.
Frozen Peas: They add a pop of color and sweet freshness that balance the richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—remember to taste as you go!

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

I love tweaking this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood—feel free to make it your own! Whether it’s swapping veggies or trying a different type of pasta, it’s super flexible.

Add Mushrooms: I tried sauteed mushrooms once and it added an earthy richness that paired beautifully with turkey.
Use Spinach Instead of Peas: Fresh or frozen spinach works great and adds a nice green color and nutrients.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and use GF pasta—still creamy and delicious.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a fun kick without overpowering the flavors.

How to Make Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Perfect Your Pasta Base

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your fettuccine for about 2 minutes less than package instructions—that’s key because you’ll finish cooking it in the sauce later, and you want it just shy of perfectly al dente. Reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; this magic ingredient helps adjust your sauce’s consistency perfectly at the end.

Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large wide pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion with a pinch of salt to help soften and sweeten it—cook until the edges start turning translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic just for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it. Then sprinkle in your flour and whisk well, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste.

Step 3: Whisking in Milk and Broth for Creaminess

Slowly add your warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then do the same with the heated broth. Season with that tiny pinch of nutmeg and more salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let it gently simmer while your pasta finishes—this gives the sauce time to thicken beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Turkey

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer your al dente pasta right into the sauce pan. Add a ladle of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up if needed. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and frozen peas until everything is well coated and creamy. Finally, stir or top with your cooked turkey pieces and adjust seasoning to your liking—salt and pepper here can really bring it all home. Serve it immediately while it’s nice and warm.

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Pro Tips for Making Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Warm Your Liquids: Pouring warm milk and broth into the roux helps avoid lumps and speeds up thickening—trust me, it’s worth the small effort!
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I learned the hard way; pasta gets mushy quickly in the sauce if you overcook it initially—stick to 2 minutes less!
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: The flavor and melt from fresh Parmesan are unbeatable compared to pre-grated, which can be drier and less flavorful.
Adjust Sauce Thickness with Pasta Water: That reserved starchy water is your secret weapon for a silky sauce that clings perfectly without being gluey.

How to Serve Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with three slices of golden-brown grilled chicken placed on top. The pasta is mixed with bright green peas and coated in a smooth white sauce. Sprinkled parmesan cheese and black pepper garnish the dish. A spoon and fork rest on the left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth napkin visible on the right side and a small piece of grated cheese and a grater partially seen toward the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Turkey Alfredo Pasta, creamy turkey pasta, easy Alfredo pasta, leftover turkey recipes, cheesy pasta dinner

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—it adds a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a crack of fresh black pepper on top adds a little extra zing. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add a lovely crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

To balance out the creamy depth of this pasta, I like simple sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon complement the Turkey Alfredo beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta neatly twirled into nests on plates, topped with turkey slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It instantly looks restaurant-worthy! Pair it with candlelight and a nice glass of white wine, and you’re set for a cozy, memorable meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you can, keep the sauce and pasta together because the flavors meld nicely overnight—but it’s best to reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I recommend freezing the sauce and pasta separately if possible for best texture. When I’ve frozen the whole dish, the pasta can get a bit softer, but it’s still delicious and super convenient for quick meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to keep it creamy and avoid sticking or burning. Microwaving works too—just stir halfway through and add a little liquid if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use turkey breast or dark meat for this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Both turkey breast and dark meat work well. I usually use whatever leftover turkey I have on hand—shredded, cubed, or sliced—and it blends beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Can I substitute the peas with other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to swap peas with frozen spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms. I find peas add a nice sweetness, but don’t hesitate to customize based on what you love or have available.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting butter with a dairy-free alternative and use unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, plus a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. The texture and flavor will be different, but it can still be tasty!
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from getting grainy?

Whisking constantly while adding warm milk and broth slowly is the key, plus cooking the roux thoroughly to eliminate the raw flour taste. Using fresh Parmesan and simmering gently on low heat also helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and keep it warm on very low heat or reheated gently. Just be ready to add a bit of pasta water or milk to loosen it up before tossing with pasta to regain that silky consistency.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Turkey Alfredo Pasta Recipe turns leftover turkey into this creamy, satisfying dinner that never feels boring. It’s been my go-to comfort food when I want something rich but easy, and my family can’t get enough. If you give it a try, I think you’ll discover that perfect balance of cozy and indulgent that makes pasta nights unforgettable. So grab that turkey, get your sauce whisking, and enjoy every delicious bite—you’re going to love it!