Thanksgiving is over, and you're left with a mountain of delicious leftover turkey. Don't let it go to waste! This recipe transforms those Thanksgiving remnants into a comforting and flavorful noodle dish – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master, resulting in a healthy meal the whole family will love. This recipe offers a fantastic way to practice homemade cooking, using simple ingredients to create a delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the turkey broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Add the turkey and cream: Stir in the shredded turkey, heavy cream (or milk), thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through, stirring occasionally.
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Combine and serve: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Noodle Recipe:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Al dente noodles are key to preventing a mushy dish.
- Use leftover gravy: For extra flavor, add 1/2 to 1 cup of your leftover Thanksgiving gravy to the sauce.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Turkey Noodle Soup: Add a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a heartier, tomato-based dish.
- Cheesy Turkey Noodle Casserole: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Top with bread crumbs and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Around 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 45-50 grams
This recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for a busy weeknight. It's also a great way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. It's truly one of the best recipes for utilizing leftover turkey. Enjoy!