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Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Rebecca
Bright, cozy, and comforting! These baked chicken meatballs are infused with zesty lemon and rosemary, nestled in a creamy orzo base with spinach and cheese. Everything bakes in one dish for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 679 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • lbs ground chicken pork, or turkey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 shallot chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped lemon peel
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • Chili flakes optional

For the Creamy Orzo Base:

  • 1 lb dry orzo pasta
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 cups baby spinach chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

Instructions
 

  • Start by stirring melted butter and minced garlic in a large bowl. Toss in the cubed bread until it’s evenly coated in the garlic butter. Set the aromatic pieces aside while you move on to prepping the filling.
  • Heat olive oil over high heat in your oven-safe skillet. Add the mushrooms in a single layer, cooking until they’re golden brown and packed with savory umami flavor. Set the cooked mushrooms aside for later.
  • Reduce the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until they soften and release their aroma. Then, toss in the diced carrot and cook for a couple of minutes to get it slightly tender.
  • Stir flour into the buttery vegetable mixture to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth, thick sauce. Add the chicken stock, salt, and black pepper, stirring it all together. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it simmers.
  • Fold the cooked turkey, frozen peas, and sautéed mushrooms into the sauce. Stir gently until the filling is well combined and evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Spread this mixture evenly across the skillet.
  • Layer the garlic butter-coated bread pieces across the filling, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top (if you’re using it), followed by a generous layer of mozzarella.
  • Place your skillet in a preheated oven (180°C/350°F) and bake uncovered for about 12-15 minutes. This will create beautifully golden brown, crispy bread chunks. Then, loosely cover the skillet with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking the filling.
  • Remove your pot pie from the oven and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan or herbs as a garnish. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone digs in for seconds (or thirds!).

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture — keep it tender!
  • Sauté shallots for a flavor boost.
  • Add extra water if the orzo looks too dry during baking.
  • Watch the cheese closely toward the end of baking to avoid burning.
Keyword Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie