What to do with Turkey Leftovers?

This is a question many ask the day after Thanksgiving. This leftover turkey pasta recipe answers this question. I make it with gluten-free pasta and non-dairy cheese, so it’s gluten and dairy-free. It is also an easy and healthy recipe. There are many other recipes you can make with the leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. You could make always make the standard turkey sandwich, but there are so many more ideas. Turkey soup is a popular recipe that uses leftover turkey meat and turkey bones. Other leftover turkey recipes include turkey casserole and turkey pot pie.

How Long Does Leftover Turkey Last?

This is another good question when considering the leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Leftover turkey lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3-4 months in the freezer. A good general rule is to use the leftover turkey by the Monday after Thanksgiving. After that, you should toss it.

How to Re-Heat Leftover Turkey.

There are 3 main ways to re-heat leftover turkey. You can re-heat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. If using the oven, pre-heat it to 300 degrees. Place the turkey on a piece of aluminum foil, then sprinkle it with 2-3 teaspoons of water or leftover gravy. Add a pat of butter or non-dairy butter and then seal the foil. Heat the turkey in the oven for approximately 30 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
To re-heat the turkey on the stovetop, place the turkey in a skillet. Add about a 1/2 inch water or chicken broth to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and then let simmer over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
If you want to re-heat leftover turkey in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe container. Add 2 teaspoons of water and cover. Cook for 1 minute per pound of turkey at 70% power.

How to Make This Leftover Turkey Pasta Recipe.

First, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Then, spray a 9×13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Set the dish aside. Next, cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and cool. Cut up the leftover turkey into small pieces then, mix all of the ingredients, EXCEPT the sauce, in a large mixing bowl. Once all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Finally, pour the spaghetti sauce over the mixture and cover it with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Once it’s finished baking, remove it from the oven and cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

I hope you enjoy this allergy-free recipe and make it a part of your after Thanksgiving repertoire. It is one of my family’s favorite ways to use leftover turkey.

As always, don’t forget to leave me a comment and let me know if you made this recipe and how it turned out.

Enjoy! Laura xo

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Leftover Turkey Pasta Recipe

This gluten and dairy-free recipe makes great use of all that leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. It's easy, healthy and a family favorite.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword dairy-free, easy, gluten-free, healthy, leftover, pasta, Thanksgiving, turkey

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 217kcal

Author Laura Kersting

Equipment

• 9X13 Baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Leftover turkey cut into cubes
• 1 Package Gluten-free pasta noodles cooked and drained spirals or penne
• 8 Ounces Non-dairy cheese any brand
• 1 Large Egg
• 2 Teaspoons Parsley
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 Jar Spaghetti Sauce Can use any brand red sauce for this recipe
• Cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray the 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
• Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and cool.
• Cut up leftover turkey into small cubes.
• Mix together the turkey, cooked pasta, non-dairy cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the mixture.
• Cover the baking dish with foil.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and cool for about 5 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Calories are based on 1 cup servings.

You can use spiral or penne gluten-free pasta. I personally prefer penne, but my family really likes it when I use spirals.

Do not rinse the pasta.

SHOP THIS RECIPE

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