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.
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.
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.
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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