On busy weeks, a slow cooker dinner that asks for just a handful of ingredients feels like a small miracle, and this Amish-inspired paprika turkey pasta is exactly that kind of meal. The turkey cooks low and slow until tender, the smoked paprika gives everything a deep, cozy flavor, and the sauce comes together with almost no effort. It has that comforting, no-fuss style that makes old-fashioned home cooking so dependable, especially when you want something hearty enough to feed everyone without standing over the stove all evening.
This pasta is especially good with a crisp green salad, buttered peas, or simple steamed green beans to balance the richness of the turkey. If you want to stretch the meal a little further, serve it with warm dinner rolls or thick slices of buttered bread for scooping up the extra sauce, and keep iced tea or apple cider on the table for an easy family-style pairing.
Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Amish Paprika Turkey Pasta
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 turkey drumsticks, about 3 to 3 1/2 pounds total
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 ounces egg noodles
Directions
1. Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Set the turkey drumsticks on top, then dust them evenly with the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour the chicken broth around the turkey, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the turkey is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
3. Transfer the drumsticks to a large plate. Remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-size pieces. Return the shredded turkey to the slow cooker and stir it into the broth and onions.
4. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and toss gently until the pasta is coated in the smoky broth. Let everything sit for 5 minutes so the noodles soak up some of the flavor, then serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Make it creamier: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or 1/3 cup heavy cream at the very end for a richer, silkier sauce. This is a great trick when you want the dish to feel a little more like a cozy casserole filling.
Use a different pasta: Egg noodles fit the old-fashioned style best, but rotini, shells, or bow ties also work well. If you swap pasta shapes, cook them separately and add them just before serving so they do not get too soft.
Add vegetables: For an easy all-in-one dinner, stir in frozen peas or cooked carrots at the end. I like this option on weeknights when I know nobody is in the mood for an extra side dish.
Season to taste: Smoked paprika brands can vary a lot in strength, so start with the listed amount and add a little more after cooking if needed. A small squeeze of lemon at the end can also brighten the flavor without changing the cozy feel of the dish.
Meal prep tip: The turkey can be cooked and shredded a day ahead, then refrigerated in its broth. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stove and toss with freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.