Cozy Fall Pasta Recipe Using Leftover Turkey
Looking for a creative way to use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? This Creamy Pumpkin Turkey Pasta with Cranberries is the perfect cozy fall dinner recipe packed with comforting seasonal flavors. Tender turkey, creamy pumpkin sauce, sweet dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, and pasta come together for a warm and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
This recipe is ideal for chilly evenings, holiday leftovers, or anytime you are craving a comforting pasta dish with a touch of sweetness. The creamy pumpkin sauce pairs perfectly with savory turkey while the cranberries add little bursts of flavor throughout every bite.
Whether you are using leftover Thanksgiving turkey or simply looking for a delicious pumpkin pasta recipe, this easy dinner is a wonderful way to bring comforting fall flavors to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Turkey Pasta Recipe
- Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers
- Great way to use leftover turkey
- Cozy and comforting fall dinner
- Creamy pumpkin sauce with savory and sweet flavors
- Easy weeknight meal
- Family-friendly pasta recipe
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Penne, bowtie, or rotini pasta all work great for this recipe.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra color.
- Want extra creaminess? Add a splash of heavy cream.
- Rotisserie chicken can be substituted for turkey.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Turkey Pasta
This comforting pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cranberry sparkling water
- Warm dinner rolls
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to follow proper leftover food safety guidelines when storing and reheating turkey dishes. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin recipes are especially popular during fall thanks to their rich flavor and nutritional benefits, including vitamin A and fiber found in pumpkin. You can learn more about pumpkin nutrition from the USDA FoodData Central database.
This Creamy Pumpkin Turkey Pasta with Cranberries is one of those easy comfort food recipes that feels perfect for fall and holiday season dinners. The creamy pumpkin sauce, savory turkey, and sweet cranberries create a delicious balance of flavors that transforms simple leftovers into a cozy family meal.
Creamy Pumpkin Turkey Pasta with Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta pf your choose
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups scallions sliced, white and green parts
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 12 oz evaporated skim milk can
- ½ cup milk low-fat
- 2 tbsp flour all-purpose
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 15 oz pumpkin can
- 3 cups turkey chopped and cooked
- 1 ½ cups cranberries dried
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large, deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add scallions, garlic and fennel seeds; sauté 3 minutes.
- Combine milk, flour, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Poor into a saucepan and stir.
- Bring to boil over medium heat; boil until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Stir in pumpkin, turkey and cranberries until well blended.
- Reduce heat to medium; cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
- Drain pasta and place in a large bowl.
- Add pumpkin sauce and toss.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information has been calculated using an autogenerating online calculation and is intended for informational purposes. For accurate nutritional information, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used.
If you love comforting pumpkin recipes and easy pasta dinners, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Check out some of our other great fall recipes: