Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious creamy turkey pasta dish with this easy recipe.
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Colander
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey shredded or diced
- 12 ounces pasta penne or rotini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup leftover roasted vegetables
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
Preparation
- Shred or dice the leftover turkey. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all other ingredients for easy access.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add cooked pasta and turkey to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Transfer pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Storage
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use leftover chicken if turkey is unavailable. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
How to Serve: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use leftover chicken if turkey is unavailable. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
How to Serve: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly.