Baked Turkey Rigatoni

Baked Turkey Rigatoni Recipe

Save time and give new life to your Thanksgiving leftovers with this delicious Baked Turkey Rigatoni. A perfect family dinner that’s flavorful, hearty, and easy to make. With turkey, Italian sausage, and fresh mozzarella baked in a creamy marinara sauce, no one will know it’s made with leftovers!

Recipe Summary:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients for Baked Turkey Rigatoni

• 1 ½ pounds cooked, chopped turkey meat

• ½ cup chopped pepperoncini peppers

• ½ cup chopped, pitted kalamata olives

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or as needed)

• 6 ounces hot Italian sausage (casings removed)

• 1 cup diced onion

• 1 cup sliced button mushrooms

• Salt to taste

• ½ cup white wine

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 (28 oz) jar prepared marinara sauce

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta (cooked and drained)

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed)

• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

• Chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped turkey, pepperoncini peppers, and kalamata olives. Set aside.

Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and break it into small pieces. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onions, mushrooms, and a pinch of salt. Cook until onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3:
Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the wine evaporates, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth, marinara sauce, water, and heavy cream. Add the turkey mixture and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 4:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni, stirring occasionally, until 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain the pasta (it will finish cooking in the oven).

Step 5:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the cooked rigatoni into the sauce pot until well coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Dot the surface with mozzarella cheese, pushing some pieces into the pasta mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 6:
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Chef’s Tip:

Cook the rigatoni slightly less than package directions to avoid overcooking when baked.

Perfect Pairing:

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pair your turkey rigatoni with a side of Pumpkin Ravioli for a festive, pumpkin-themed meal that’s perfect for the season.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey from a roast chicken or another meat?

Yes, you can substitute the turkey with any other cooked poultry or even roast beef, chicken, or pork. Just be sure to chop the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the Italian sausage and substitute the turkey with a plant-based protein or simply add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or eggplant. You can also use a vegetarian version of the marinara sauce if desired.

What can I substitute for the heavy cream?

If you'd like a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or oat milk. Just keep in mind the consistency and flavor might vary slightly.

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, if you'd prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an extra ½ cup of chicken broth, or use a splash of white wine vinegar for a bit of acidity.

What can I serve with Baked Turkey Rigatoni?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with a light antipasto platter to complement the Italian flavors.

Can I reduce the amount of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the cheese quantity to your preference. You could reduce the mozzarella or Parmesan to suit your taste or dietary needs. Just keep in mind, less cheese might result in a less creamy and cheesy finish.