2.5cupchopped cooked turkeyleftover roasted turkey works great
1tbspolive oilfor sautéing
2tbspunsalted butterfor sauce
0.75cupyellow onion, diced
2tspminced garlicabout 2 cloves
3tbspall-purpose flour
1.75cuplow-sodium chicken broth
1cupwhole milk
0.5cupsour creamroom temperature if possible
1tspDijon mustard
0.5tspdried thyme
0.75tspkosher saltto taste
0.5tspground black pepper
1cupfrozen peas and carrotsno need to thaw
1.5cupshredded sharp cheddar cheesedivided
0.75cuppanko breadcrumbs
1.5tbspunsalted butter, meltedfor topping
2tbspgrated Parmesan cheese
0.25tspsmoked paprikaoptional
2tbspchopped fresh parsleyfor garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Boil noodles in salted water until just shy of al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package. Drain well.
Warm olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Soften onion for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Simmer, whisking, until thickened and smooth, 3–5 minutes.
Season with Dijon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream and half the cheddar.
Combine sauce with turkey, peas and carrots, and drained noodles. Spread mixture into the baking dish.
Toss panko with melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika. Sprinkle over casserole. Top with remaining cheddar.
Bake until bubbling and golden, 18–22 minutes. Rest 10 minutes, then finish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Variation: Swap peas and carrots for chopped broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. For a richer sauce, replace 1/2 cup broth with leftover turkey gravy. Make-ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake covered for 10 minutes, then uncover and finish until crisp. Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Turkey Noodle Casserole flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.