Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Food Fix
There are some dishes that just speak to your soul, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Classic creamy turkey and noodles is undoubtedly one of them. Imagine tender, juicy turkey pieces nestled amongst rich, velvety noodles, all bathed in a savory, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that instantly evokes feelings of home and coziness, making it the quintessential comfort food. But what if I told you this hearty, soul-satisfying dish could be on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes? Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this dream becomes a delicious reality.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight solution, a comfort food enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare but came together in a flash, this Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles recipe is about to become your new favorite.
While holiday feasts are often a grand affair filled with elaborate dishes, sometimes the most cherished meals are the simple, comforting ones. For me, Thanksgiving is a time when family traditions reign supreme, and the grandmas usually take the lead in the kitchen! Though I love to cook and create new recipes, my usual contribution to the big Thanksgiving spread is limited to a couple of signature dishes like homemade cranberry sauce and a delightful sweet potato souffle. However, that doesn’t mean turkey isn’t a staple in my kitchen throughout the colder months.
In fact, as soon as the chill of winter sets in, my family starts requesting turkey dishes on a regular basis. One particular request stands out: creamy turkey and noodles. It’s a dish that brings smiles all around, and it’s become a tried-and-true favorite in our household. This specific recipe is one I’ve lovingly adapted for the Instant Pot, making it incredibly convenient without sacrificing any of its rich, homestyle flavor. My children adore the creamy, tender egg noodles combined with succulent pieces of turkey, and I appreciate how easily it comes together, delivering a dinner that tastes like it simmered for hours, yet is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s truly a testament to how quick a satisfying, family-friendly meal can be.
Embracing the Instant Pot: A Game Changer for Busy Cooks
This creamy turkey and noodles recipe holds a special place in my heart not only because it’s incredibly delicious, but also because it was one of the first Instant Pot recipes I truly fell in love with. Like many, I was initially skeptical of the Instant Pot hype. It sat in its box for a surprising amount of time after I received it as a gift, intimidating me with its many buttons and perceived complexity. However, once I finally decided to unbox it and give it a try, there was no turning back.
The Instant Pot isn’t just another kitchen gadget; it’s a culinary revolution for anyone with a busy lifestyle. It streamlines cooking, drastically cutting down on meal prep and cook times while consistently delivering flavorful results. For families, especially those with picky eaters, the ability to create nutritious and appealing meals quickly is invaluable. It’s perfect for those evenings when you realize it’s 5 PM and you still haven’t figured out what’s for dinner. The Instant Pot can turn ingredients from fridge to table in minutes, making homemade meals feasible even on the busiest days.
If you’re new to pressure cooking or still have your Instant Pot sitting idle, don’t worry! This turkey and noodles recipe is an excellent starting point. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and yields incredibly satisfying results that will boost your confidence in using this versatile appliance. For more general guidance on getting started, I highly recommend checking out this fantastic guide for beginners. You’ll soon discover, as I did, that the hype surrounding the Instant Pot is absolutely real, and it’s about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It truly unlocks a new level of efficiency and culinary delight.
The true magic of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. It’s designed to bring the rich, comforting flavors of a slow-cooked, homestyle meal to your table with the speed and efficiency only an Instant Pot can provide. Forget long simmering times or multiple pots and pans; this one-pot wonder minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
Crafting Your Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible Instant Pot creamy turkey and noodles is incredibly straightforward. The beauty lies in its layering, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly under pressure, and delivering a consistently delicious result that feels both gourmet and homey.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of turkey breast cutlets – these cook quickly and shred beautifully, providing tender, lean protein. A can of cream of chicken soup forms the creamy, savory base, while four tablespoons of butter add richness and a silky texture to the sauce. Frozen egg noodles, such as the Reames brand, are absolutely crucial for that authentic, thick, and chewy texture that holds up well under pressure cooking without becoming mushy. A quart of chicken broth provides the necessary liquid for cooking the noodles and creating the sauce, and a simple blend of garlic powder, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper elevates the flavor profile without being overwhelming. These humble ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular.
Simple Steps to Deliciousness (Using Fresh Turkey Cutlets)
The process couldn’t be easier, even for Instant Pot novices. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked dish:
- Layer the Ingredients: Start by placing your turkey breast cutlets at the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. This ensures they cook evenly and become incredibly tender. Dot them with the butter for added moisture and flavor. Next, spread the can of cream of chicken soup evenly over the turkey. This creates a protective, flavorful layer. Then, gently place the package of frozen noodles on top. It’s important not to stir at this stage; keeping the noodles on top helps prevent them from clumping together or sticking to the bottom. Sprinkle your garlic powder, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the noodles. Finally, pour in the quart of chicken broth. Ensure the broth mostly covers the noodles, but again, resist the urge to stir.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 20 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the actual cooking countdown begins, typically 10-15 minutes depending on the temperature of your ingredients.
- Quick Release and Finish: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick steam release. This means carefully turning the sealing valve to the “Venting” position to release the pressure rapidly. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the steam. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. Carefully remove the cooked turkey cutlets to a plate and shred them using two forks. The turkey should be incredibly tender and easy to shred, practically falling apart. Return the shredded turkey to the Instant Pot and stir it thoroughly into the creamy noodles. The noodles will be perfectly cooked, absorbing all the delicious flavors and creating a rich, thick sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles dish is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For an extra layer of comfort, serve it alongside a generous scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes, allowing the creamy sauce to mingle wonderfully. My personal favorite pairing, however, is with sweet potato and sage scones – their slightly savory and sweet notes complement the rich turkey and noodles perfectly. Other excellent additions include a crisp green salad for a touch of freshness, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Leveraging Leftover Turkey: A Smart Adaptation
One of the most frequent questions I get about turkey recipes, especially after holidays like Thanksgiving, is whether leftover turkey can be used. The answer for this Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles recipe is a resounding YES! In fact, it’s a fantastic way to transform your holiday leftovers into an entirely new, equally comforting meal, preventing food waste and offering a second life to your festive bird. However, there’s a crucial difference in how you’ll approach the cooking process to ensure your leftover turkey remains tender and flavorful, rather than becoming dry and tough.
Adjusted Steps for Leftover Turkey:
- Initial Cook Without Turkey: Begin by adding all the ingredients to your Instant Pot as directed in the main recipe, but omit the turkey at this stage. That means the butter, cream of chicken soup, frozen egg noodles, seasonings, and chicken broth go into the pot. Secure the lid, ensure the valve is set to “Sealing,” and cook on the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting for 20 minutes.
- Gentle Reheating: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick steam release. Open the lid safely. Now, stir in about 3 cups of your pre-cooked, shredded leftover turkey. Gently mix it into the hot noodles and creamy sauce, ensuring the turkey is well distributed.
- Rest and Serve: Place the lid back on the Instant Pot (you don’t need to seal it or set it to cook again, just cover it). Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the residual heat from the pot and the hot noodles to gently warm the shredded turkey through without overcooking it. The goal is to reheat, not re-cook. After 5 minutes, stir one last time and serve immediately.
Here’s why the instructions change for leftover turkey: This adjustment is vital for maintaining the delicious texture of your already cooked turkey. If you were to add leftover turkey at the beginning and subject it to another 20 minutes of high-pressure cooking, it would inevitably become tough, dry, and rubbery – essentially ruining its texture and flavor. Leftover turkey simply requires a gentle reheating to become perfectly incorporated into this creamy dish, retaining its moistness and succulence. This smart adaptation ensures your post-holiday meal is just as delightful and tender as one made with fresh turkey cutlets, making it a perfect solution for that mountain of Thanksgiving turkey.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Turkey and Noodles
Achieving restaurant-quality comfort food in your Instant Pot is easier than you think. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your creamy turkey and noodles turn out perfectly every time, cementing its place as a family favorite:
- Don’t Stir Before Cooking: When layering the ingredients, especially after adding the noodles and broth, resist the urge to stir. This specific technique helps prevent the noodles from sticking together or clumping at the bottom of the pot, and ensures even cooking of all components. The pressure cooking process will naturally circulate the liquids and flavors, creating a homogenous dish without your intervention.
- Use Frozen Egg Noodles: While other noodles might seem appealing for convenience, frozen egg noodles (like Reames) are specifically recommended for their hearty texture that holds up beautifully under pressure. They won’t become mushy or disintegrate, maintaining that perfect chewy bite and absorbing the creamy sauce wonderfully. Avoid dried pasta unless you are prepared to experiment with cook times and liquid ratios.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: The seasoning blend in this recipe (garlic powder, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper) is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust it to your family’s preferences. A pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf could add another layer of traditional, earthy flavor. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper after cooking, as the flavors may concentrate under pressure.
- For Extra Creaminess: If you desire an even richer, more luxurious creamy consistency, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the very end, after the turkey has been shredded and stirred in. This is an optional step but adds a wonderful depth and richness.
- Add Vegetables: While classic, this recipe is also very adaptable. Consider stirring in a cup of frozen peas and carrots, chopped celery, or some chopped fresh spinach during the final mixing step to add extra nutrients, color, and a slight textural contrast. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters.
Storage and Reheating
This creamy turkey and noodles dish is often even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Proper storage and reheating will ensure you can enjoy your leftovers just as much as the fresh batch, making meal prep a breeze.
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Prompt cooling helps maintain freshness and food safety.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. As the sauce will thicken upon cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it and restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating until hot throughout.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Individual portions can be conveniently reheated in the microwave. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (vented) and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Again, a little liquid might be needed to restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Turkey and Noodles
- Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
- Absolutely! Chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used interchangeably with turkey cutlets. The cooking time will remain the same, yielding equally delicious and comforting results. Just follow the same preparation steps for fresh poultry.
- What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
- While cream of chicken soup contributes significantly to the classic flavor and creamy texture, you have alternatives. You can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different, but still tasty, flavor profile. For a from-scratch alternative, you can make a simple roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth to create a thick, homemade cream sauce to replace the canned soup.
- Can I use different types of noodles?
- Frozen egg noodles are highly recommended for their durability and authentic texture in this specific recipe. If you must use dry pasta, you’ll need to adjust the liquid amount and cooking time significantly, and it may not yield the same creamy, hearty result. Typically, for dry pasta in an Instant Pot, the cook time is half the package recommendation plus 1 minute, with enough liquid to just cover. However, for this particular recipe, sticking to frozen egg noodles is best for the intended outcome.
- Why do I need to do a quick release?
- A quick release (QR) is important for this recipe to prevent the noodles from becoming overcooked and mushy. It rapidly stops the cooking process once the timer is up, ensuring your noodles retain a perfect, tender bite and don’t turn into a gloopy mess. A natural pressure release would continue to cook the noodles for too long.
- Can I double the recipe?
- While Instant Pot recipes are generally scalable, doubling this recipe might require a larger Instant Pot (8-quart or more) to avoid overfilling, and it might slightly increase the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure. The cooking time under pressure would likely remain the same, but always ensure ingredients are within the max fill line.
Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles
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Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds turkey breast cutlets * See notes to adjust if using leftover turkey*
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1 24 ounce bag frozen egg noodles (such as Reames)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Add the turkey cutlets to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Spread the cream of chicken soup over the top of the cutlets. Add the butter, frozen egg noodles, seasonings, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Do NOT stir.
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Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing valve is closed. Cook for 20 minutes on the Manual (or Pressure Cook) setting.
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Do a quick steam release. Carefully remove the turkey cutlets and shred them using two forks. Stir the shredded turkey back into the creamy noodles and serve immediately.
Notes
Can I use leftover turkey in this recipe?
Yes! If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, it will work wonderfully in this recipe. Here’s how to adjust the instructions to keep your turkey tender and flavorful:
- Step 1: Add all ingredients except the leftover turkey to the Instant Pot and cook as directed in the main instructions (20 minutes on Manual/Pressure Cook).
- Step 2: Do a quick steam release. Then, stir in about 3 cups of shredded leftover turkey into the hot noodles and sauce.
- Step 3: Place the lid back on the Instant Pot (no need to seal or cook again) and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the turkey is completely heated through by the residual heat. Serve hot!
Why the adjusted steps for leftover turkey? Adding already cooked turkey at the beginning of the Instant Pot cycle would make it tough and rubbery. It only needs gentle reheating to retain its delicious flavor and tender texture.