Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles: The Ultimate Comfort Food in Under 30 Minutes
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of creamy turkey and noodles to bring comfort and joy, especially when it comes together effortlessly. This classic dish, beloved for its rich flavors and satisfying texture, becomes an absolute weeknight hero when prepared in your Instant Pot. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; with this recipe, you can achieve that slow-cooked taste in less than 30 minutes, delivering tender turkey and perfectly creamy noodles that will have your family asking for seconds.
When Thanksgiving rolls around, it’s often the grandmas who hold the culinary reins, dictating the menu with their time-honored traditions. While I enjoy contributing my signature cranberry sauce and sweet potato soufflé to the holiday feast, my true passion for turkey extends far beyond seasonal celebrations. Throughout the colder months, my family consistently requests a hearty meal of turkey and noodles, turning it into a regular staple in our dinner rotation. This particular recipe has become a tried-and-true favorite, brilliantly adapted for the Instant Pot to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why Instant Pot Turkey and Noodles is a Weeknight Winner
My kids adore this dish because of its incredibly creamy, tender noodles and perfectly juicy turkey bites. As for me, I love it for its sheer convenience. It’s one of those magical meals where you can toss everything in, set it, and forget it, only to return to a dinner that tastes like it simmered all day. The reality? It’s ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is short but you still crave a homemade, comforting meal.
Embracing the Instant Pot: Your New Kitchen Best Friend
This Instant Pot Turkey and Noodles recipe holds a special place as my first Instant Pot creation shared here, marking the beginning of a love affair with this incredible appliance. It’s almost embarrassing to admit that after receiving my Instant Pot last Christmas, it sat in its box for months while we settled into our new home. But let me tell you, the moment I started using it, I understood the hype. If you’re a busy parent, a professional, or simply someone who often finds themselves forgetting to plan meals, the Instant Pot will truly become your new best friend. Its ability to drastically cut down cooking time while enhancing flavor and tenderness is unparalleled.
For dishes like turkey and noodles, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. It transforms tough cuts into succulent perfection and cooks noodles evenly without constant stirring. This one-pot method also means significantly less cleanup, a huge bonus on any busy evening. If you own an Instant Pot but aren’t quite sure where to begin, don’t fret! There are many fantastic resources available, including this great guide for beginners, which can help you get started on your pressure cooking journey. Once you discover the ease and efficiency, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
The true beauty of this recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor, but in just how astonishingly quick and easy it is to create homestyle creamy turkey and noodles. It’s a comforting classic made accessible for modern, busy lives.
Mastering Instant Pot Turkey and Noodles: Ingredients & Method
Crafting this comforting dish is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to a few key ingredients and the efficiency of your Instant Pot. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the final delicious result.
Key Ingredients for Ultimate Comfort
- Turkey Breast Cutlets: These thin cuts of turkey breast are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly under pressure, ensuring tender, juicy results without drying out. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless turkey tenderloins, cut into similar-sized pieces.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to the signature creamy sauce. It provides a rich, savory base and helps thicken the noodles as they cook. It also contributes that classic “homestyle” flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
- Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile and creating a silky texture.
- Chicken Broth: Essential for pressure cooking the noodles and turkey, the broth also infuses the entire dish with a savory foundation. Using a good quality broth will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Frozen Egg Noodles (such as Reames): These are crucial for the best texture in this recipe. Frozen egg noodles hold up incredibly well under pressure, absorbing the creamy broth without becoming mushy. They give the dish that authentic, hearty noodle consistency that’s hard to achieve with dried pasta in a pressure cooker.
- Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Poultry Seasoning, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper): This simple blend of spices elevates the turkey and noodles, adding layers of aromatic flavor that complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it. Poultry seasoning, in particular, adds a classic, savory touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fresh Turkey Cutlets
- Layer the Ingredients: Start by placing the turkey cutlets at the bottom of your Instant Pot. This ensures they get even heat and cook thoroughly. Next, dollop and gently spread the can of cream of chicken soup over the turkey cutlets. The soup will melt down and create the creamy base. Add the butter in pats around the pot. Finally, dump the package of frozen egg noodles on top, followed by the garlic powder, poultry seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the quart of chicken broth over everything. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid to cook properly.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook” on newer models) setting and set the cook time for 20 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick steam release by carefully turning the sealing valve to the “Venting” position. Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Carefully remove the turkey cutlets to a plate and shred them using two forks. Stir the shredded turkey back into the creamy noodles. The noodles will be perfectly tender and coated in a delicious, rich sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Your comforting Instant Pot Turkey and Noodles are now ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
These creamy turkey and noodles are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your dinner. Consider serving them with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes (they’re heavenly with the creamy sauce!), my sweet potato and sage scones for a touch of warmth and flavor, or a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. Steamed green beans, broccoli, or glazed carrots would also make excellent additions, adding vibrant color and essential nutrients to your plate.
Can I use leftover turkey in this recipe? Yes, Absolutely!
This recipe is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully with leftover Thanksgiving turkey or any pre-cooked turkey you might have. However, the instructions change slightly to ensure your turkey remains tender and juicy, rather than becoming tough and rubbery from overcooking. Here’s how you’ll adapt the recipe:
- Step 1: Add all the ingredients *except* the leftover turkey to the Instant Pot. This includes the butter, cream of chicken soup, frozen egg noodles, seasonings, and chicken broth. Cook as directed on the “Manual” setting for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Once the cooking cycle is complete, do a quick steam release. Open the lid, then stir in about 3 cups of shredded leftover turkey. Place the lid back on the Instant Pot (no need to seal or cook further) and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the leftover turkey is completely heated through. The residual heat from the noodles and sauce will gently warm the turkey without compromising its texture. Serve immediately!
Here’s why the instructions change for leftover turkey: If you added your already-cooked turkey at the beginning of the recipe and subjected it to another round of high-pressure cooking, it would inevitably become tough and rubbery. Cooked turkey only needs gentle reheating to retain its delicious flavor and tender texture. This method ensures your Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles with leftover turkey are just as delightful as the fresh version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this Instant Pot Creamy Turkey and Noodles are just as delicious the next day! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
This Instant Pot Turkey and Noodles recipe truly delivers on all fronts: speed, flavor, and ultimate comfort. It’s a testament to how modern kitchen appliances can transform traditional comfort foods into convenient, everyday meals. So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful way to use up holiday leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
Instant Pot 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 instant pot. Spread the soup over the top of the cutlets. Add the remaining ingredients to the instant pot.
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Place the lid on the instant pot, making sure the valve is closed. Cook for 20 minutes on the Manual setting.
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Do a quick steam release. Remove the turkey cutlets and shred. Stir the shredded turkey into the noodles and serve.
Notes
Can I use leftover turkey in this recipe?
Yes! If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey it will work great in this recipe. Here’s what you’ll do instead:
- Step 1: Add all the ingredients except the leftover turkey to the Instant Pot and cook as directed.
- Step 2. Do a quick steam release. Then stir in about 3 cups shredded leftover turkey. Place the lid back on the Instant Pot and let it sit about 5 minutes or until the turkey is completely reheated throughout. Serve!