Moist Maker Pasta Casserole (Printable Version)

Baked pasta layered with turkey, cheeses, and a savory gravy for rich, moist, comforting flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne or rigatoni
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Gravy Layer

03 - 1¼ cups turkey or chicken gravy, homemade or store-bought
04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Turkey & Cheese

05 - 14 oz cooked turkey breast, shredded or chopped
06 - 7 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
07 - 3.5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
08 - ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

09 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - ½ tsp black pepper
15 - ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste

→ Sauce

16 - 1 cup whole milk
17 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
02 - Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper; cook another minute.
04 - Sprinkle flour over the aromatics and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in butter until melted, then remove from heat.
05 - In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, onion sauce, turkey, peas (if using), and half of each cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
06 - Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
07 - Pour the turkey or chicken gravy evenly over the pasta layer, allowing it to soak in for moisture.
08 - Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
09 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
10 - Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Every single bite stays impossibly moist because the gravy soaks through from the center like edible insurance against dry casseroles.
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, and somehow tastes like you spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen.
  • It's the kind of dish that quietly feeds a crowd without drama or fuss.
02 -
  • The gravy layer in the middle is non-negotiable—it's what separates a regular pasta bake from this life-changing version.
  • Don't skip the resting time; those 10 minutes make the difference between a beautiful slice and a glorious pile.
03 -
  • Use good quality gravy—this is the star player, so homemade is worth it if you have the time.
  • Don't overload the top layer with cheese; you need just enough to get golden without creating a crust so thick it traps steam.
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