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Turkey / Noodles a La King: A Comfort Food Classic

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t the most adventurous cook, but she had a few dishes she absolutely nailed. Turkey a la King, served over a bed of perfectly cooked egg noodles, was one of them. I remember the creamy, savory aroma filling her cozy kitchen, the anticipation building with every passing minute. This dish was more than just food; it was a symbol of her love and a reminder of simpler, happier times, and I’m thrilled to share my version with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package wide egg noodles, uncooked
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons onions, chopped
10 3/4 ounces cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 (10 1/2 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
2 cups turkey, cubed
1 tablespoon chopped pimiento
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Medium saucepan

Instructions

Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to the package directions. This usually involves bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding the noodles, and cooking until they are tender but still firm to the bite, also known as al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are tender and translucent, but not browned. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Sautéing the onions in butter is crucial for building a flavorful base for the sauce.
Once the onions are softened, stir in the cream of chicken soup and milk. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
Add the thawed frozen peas, cubed turkey, chopped pimiento, and ground black pepper to the saucepan. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients into the sauce.
Heat the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Be careful not to let the sauce scorch on the bottom of the pan, so stir regularly.
Serve the creamy Turkey a la King immediately over the hot, cooked egg noodles.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the cubed turkey in a separate pan with a little butter or olive oil before adding it to the sauce. This will give the turkey a richer, more savory taste.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to lightly blend the mixture after it has simmered. However, be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture from the peas and turkey.
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade cream sauce. To make a basic cream sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and then gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
To prevent a skin from forming on the sauce while simmering, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Turkey a la King over hot egg noodles for the classic experience. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for added visual appeal. It also pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the Turkey a la King in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage. While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the sauce and noodles, so it’s best to enjoy the leftovers within a few days.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	364.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	99 g	27%
Total Fat	11 g	16%
Saturated Fat	4.9 g	24%
Cholesterol	67.8 mg	22%
Sodium	496 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	53.3 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	16%
Sugars	4 g	N/A
Protein	13.3 g	26%

Variations & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
Add other vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or green beans, to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
Instead of turkey, you can use cooked chicken, ham, or even shrimp.
Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Consider adding a splash of dry sherry to the sauce while it simmers for an elevated flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Turkey a la King sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving over freshly cooked noodles.

Q: Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
A: Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Simply cube the turkey and add it to the sauce as directed.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
A: You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or make a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the sauce and noodles may change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh peas. Simply cook them until tender before adding them to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Turkey a la King over egg noodles is a simple, yet satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs. I hope you enjoy this classic comfort food as much as I do. Give it a try, and feel free to share your feedback and variations! This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine. Happy cooking!

Turkey / Noodles a La King Recipe