From Thanksgiving to Fettuccine: Delicious Leftover Transformation

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turkey fettuccine plated

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Are you tired of eating Thanksgiving leftovers every night? I know the feeling! After making a delicious Thanksgiving pot pie, I found myself home alone with a fridge full of leftovers. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner consisted of Thanksgiving pie, and I was ready for a change.

A Fresh Twist on Leftovers

Luckily, I still had half of the ingredients left, and I saw this as an opportunity to transform them into something completely different. I decided to whip up a dish that had nothing to do with Thanksgiving but was equally delicious. And that’s how my Turkey Fettuccine came to life in a game I like to play called “What’s In My Fridge Door?”

Here’s What You Need

  • Ground turkey: Provides a lean and flavorful protein base for the dish.
  • Onion: Adds savory and aromatic notes to enhance the overall flavor.
  • Leek: Offers a mild onion-like flavor and contributes to the dish’s complexity.
  • Frozen peas, carrots & green bean medley: Provides a colorful mix of vegetables, adding texture and nutrition.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onion, leek, and vegetables.
  • Favorite marinara sauce: Provides a tangy and robust tomato base, infusing the dish with savory flavors.
  • Fettuccine noodles: Serve as the pasta component, providing a smooth and hearty texture.
  • Salt and pepper: Enhance the flavors of all the ingredients and bring balance to the dish.

Let’s Cook!

To get started, I quickly cooked the ground turkey until it was nicely browned. Then, I sautéed the vegetables until they were tender and aromatic, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

turkey and veggies in skillet

Next, I reached for my favorite pasta marinara sauce and poured it over the turkey and veggies. The rich and tangy sauce coated everything perfectly. But I didn’t stop there! I grabbed some fettuccine noodles, cooked them al dente, and tossed them in. The noodles added a lovely texture to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

fettuccine and turkey with marinara

A Healthier Alternative

Once everything was stirred together, I couldn’t believe how delicious it looked! This Turkey Fettuccine was a healthier twist on the classic beef and spaghetti noodles night that we’re all familiar with. It was a pleasant change of pace, and I couldn’t wait to dig in!

Now, you might be wondering why I chose turkey instead of beef for this dish. Well, turkey is leaner and lower in fat compared to beef, making it a healthier choice. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers in a creative way. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

plated turkey fettuccine

Finishing Touches and Tips

  • Browning the ground turkey: Make sure to cook the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Sautéing the onion and leek: Aim for a tender and translucent texture for the onion and leek to enhance their flavors.
  • Cooking the frozen vegetable medley: Thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them to the pan, ensuring they heat through evenly.
  • Choosing your favorite marinara sauce: Use a marinara sauce that you genuinely enjoy as it will greatly impact the overall taste of the dish.
  • Cooking the fettuccine noodles: Follow the instructions on the box for the cooking time to achieve the desired texture. Be careful not to overcook them.
  • Seasoning with salt and pepper: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. Start with a little and add more if needed.
  • Adding extra toppings: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavors and presentation.
  • Serving with garlic bread: Pairing the Turkey Fettuccine with garlic bread adds a delightful complement and completes the meal.

Happy Cooking!

To make this dish even more exciting, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These little touches elevate the flavors and make the dish even more enjoyable.

So the next time you find yourself drowning in Thanksgiving leftovers, remember this recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you can transform those boring leftovers into a delightful and satisfying meal. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

marinara-ground-turkey

Turkey Fettuccine 20 Minute Meal

The Starving Chef
A quick and flavorful pasta dish made with ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, and a savory marinara sauce, perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Fall, What’s In My Fridge Door
Cuisine Fall Foods
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz ground turkey
  • ½ cup onion chopped
  • ½ cup leek
  • ½ cup frozen peas, carrots & green bean medley
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup favorite marinara sauce
  • ½ box fettuccine noodles
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large pan over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the ground turkey until no longer pink. Remove from the pan and wipe the pan clean.
  • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine noodles and cook according to the instructions on the side of the box. Drain and set aside.
  • Add two tablespoons of butter to the pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and leek until tender, then add the frozen vegetables and cook until heated through.
  • Return the ground turkey to the pan and stir well to combine. Pour the marinara sauce over the turkey and cover. Reduce the heat and stir occasionally until the sauce is heated through.
  • Toss the noodles into the pan with the meat sauce and stir until the noodles are completely covered. Serve right away with garlic bread and enjoy!
Keyword noodles, pasta, turkey
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!