Creamy Christmas Leftover Turkey Pasta
A delightful way to transform your holiday turkey leftovers into a creamy, comforting pasta dish that celebrates Italian-American flavors.
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 pot for boiling pasta
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey shredded
- 12 oz pasta penne or fusilli
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Shred the leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Grate the parmesan cheese.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add shredded turkey and cook until heated through.
- Add parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving
- Transfer pasta to a serving dish. Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use a mix of dark and white turkey meat for a richer flavor. Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cream for dietary adjustments.
How to Serve: Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of cream.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare sauce ahead and reheat gently before adding pasta.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cream for dietary adjustments.
How to Serve: Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of cream.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare sauce ahead and reheat gently before adding pasta.