December 12, 2007         Updated by Kimberly Andrew

Turkey or Chicken Noodle Bake

Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb. bowtie noodles
  • 1 Cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 2 Tbs butter
  • 2 Tbs flour
  • 1 Cup canned milk
  • 1 Cup chicken broth
  • 2 Cups turkey or chicken, cooked and cubed
  • 1/2 Cup chopped celery
  • Garlic (powder or fresh juice) to taste
  • Onion (small, diced or powder to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 - 2 tsp. chopped oregano
  • 1/4 Cup corn flake crumbs or bread crumbs
  • Optional: 1/4 - 1/2 Cup slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Cook the noodles until just done; drain and add to baking dish. While still hot, stir in all but 2 Tbs. of the cheese.

Melt the butter in a saucepan, add flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, until flour is well absorbed and starting to turn a light golden brown. Gradually stir in the cream and broth. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add the turkey (or chicken), celery, seasonings and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a slow boil.

Pour sauce mixture over the noodles, and mix lightly. Sprinkle top with reserved cheese and the corn flake crumbs.

Bake 20-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and sauce has thickened.

Optional: Add 1/4 Cup slivered almonds, then cheese, then crumbs for topping. You can also mix the almonds into the casserole, using 1/2 Cup.