Leftover Turkey Stroganoff

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I love to be resourceful, and that is especially true in the kitchen. I hate it when leftovers sit in my fridge with nobody eating them, so I LOVE it when I find a recipe that repurposes my leftovers into a totally new meal!

This Turkey Stroganoff made without condensed soup fits the bill and will help you frugally feed your family this holiday season.

Speaking of the holidays, this turkey stroganoff recipe is perfect for using up holiday turkey leftovers. It provides a delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey, minimizing food waste and offering a creative solution after holiday meals.

Actually, I have several leftover turkey recipes to help you make new meals from those leftovers with minimal effort! My very favorites include these super easy Turkey Patties and this Crunchy Healthy Turkey Salad Recipe!

The holidays tend to be filled with rich flavors, and this turkey stroganoff recipe does not disappoint. The combination of butter, mushrooms, white wine, and Dijon mustard creates a complex and rich flavor profile that elevates the dish. No matter if you’re serving loved ones from your household or a house full of guests, this recipe is for you. 

And once the big day is over and you need even more leftover turkey recipes, whip up these Chinese Five Spice Turkey Tacos or my hearty Moroccan Turkey Stew for your houseguests. #somuchyum

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s creamy – There’s just something comforting about a creamy meal. It warms you from the inside out. 
• It’s easy – Holidays are about family and friends gathering together so take that leftover turkey, toss it in our turkey stroganoff recipe, and get back to your people!
• It’s saucy – Leftover turkey pasta is smothered in sauce. Grab those leftover rolls and have a dip in the stroganoff sauce. You’ll be so glad you did!

Ingredient Notes

• Fusilli pasta — Fusilli is a versatile corkscrew pasta that complements a variety of flavors and recipes. Feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Egg noodles are another favorite option.
• Leftover turkey — Cube the turkey or chop it into small pieces. Whether smoked or brined, whatever turkey you have on hand will work just fine!
• Yellow onion — Sweet yellow onions add a sweet and savory note to the dish. It can be replaced with red or white onion for a slightly different flavor. (I even replace chopped onion with dried onion for those in my family who don’t like the texture of onion.)
• Minced garlic — Garlic brings aromatic flavors to the dish. Garlic powder or dried garlic can be substituted if needed. 
• Sliced mushrooms — Mushrooms boast a hearty and earthy element that works well in the stroganoff. Any variety of mushroom can be used. 
• White Wine — This liquid is used to add acidity and depth to the sauce. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can replace the wine if you desire. 
• Chicken Stock — Chicken stock is liquid used to enhance the savory side of the sauce. Turkey or vegetable stock can be used for a variation.
• Half and half — This blend of equal parts whole milk and cream, provides the rich base for the sauce. Sub equal parts milk and heavy cream for an alternative, or use a dairy free option. 
• Dijon Mustard —  Mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy note, providing spices to the dish. Adjust the type of mustard used and the quantity based on your taste preference.

How To Make Leftover Turkey Stroganoff

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. Cook pasta as instructed on the package and drain under cold water.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour wine, chicken stock, and half and half into the skillet with the leftover turkey and Dijon mustard. Cook until it begins to simmer.
4. Add pasta to the skillet. Gently stir all together. Cook for another 2 minutes stirring occasionally.
5. Remove and garnish with parsley before serving.

Expert Tips

• Chop, slice, and measure your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
• Choose a mix of mushrooms or your favorite variety for added depth in taste. Sauté them until golden brown for richer flavor.
• If using white wine, choose a dry or cooking variety. Allow it to reduce slightly to intensify the flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami flavor. Or try one of these handy Worcestershire sauce substitutes!
• Season each component separately to control the overall saltiness. Remember, the turkey may already have seasoning from its initial preparation.
• Fusilli pasta works well due to its spiral shape, capturing the creamy sauce. However, you can experiment with other pasta shapes if desired.
• Roasted or smoked turkey will have enhanced flavor and tenderness. Ensure it’s cut into bite-sized cubes or chunks.
• Add the leftover turkey towards the end to prevent it from becoming tough. This keeps the turkey tender.
• Feel free to customize by adding ingredients like spinach, peas, or a dash of paprika for a flavorful twist. 
• Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Delicious Variations 

• Vegetarian Stroganoff: Substitute turkey with meaty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. Use vegetable broth and omit the chicken stock for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Turkey Stroganoff: Add a kick by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the level of spice to your liking.
• Spinach and Turkey Stroganoff: Toss in fresh spinach leaves during the last few minutes of cooking for vibrant color and extra nutrients.
• Add Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Stir in or top with a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for an extra luscious flavor.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – If you need to prep ahead, make the noodles and the sauce but don’t combine them. When you are ready to heat the stroganoff, mix the ingredients in a pan on the stovetop and heat through. 
• Store – Once prepared, turkey stroganoff can last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. 
• Freeze – If you choose to freeze any leftovers or prepare this dish weeks ahead of time, allow it to cool completely before sealing it in the airtight container. Once frozen, it will keep for 2 weeks. 
• Reheat – Defrost completely and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with some broth.  

FAQs 

Similar Recipes

Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful turkey recipes? I’ve got you covered. Here are a few of my most popular recipes:

• Baked Turkey Meatballs.
• Smothered Turkey Wings.
• Easy Turkey Marinade.
• How To Cook Ground Turkey.
• Slow Cooker Turkey Chili.
• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs.

Serve With:

• Pair with this easy Air Fryer Asparagus.
• Learn How to Cook Canned Peas for a super quick side dish.
• Family favorite Easy Yeast Rolls are the perfect accompaniment.

Recommended Tools

• Sharp knives help make prep work a breeze.
• Choose a skillet with high sides so the sauce doesn’t splash over.
• Airtight containers for keeping your leftovers fresh.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Thank you for reading my leftover turkey pasta recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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