Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 4 cups homemade or store-bought turkey gravy
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover turkey works wonderfully)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, but adds lovely earthiness)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few fresh sprigs if you have them)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock (use to loosen gravy if needed)
Substitution tips: If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, pappardelle or even wide fettuccine can step in nicely. For a gluten-free version, try a sturdy gluten-free pasta. And if turkey gravy isn’t available, a rich chicken gravy can be a lovely substitute without losing that comforting essence.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their earthy aroma. This step adds a depth of flavor I learned from my time in the Italian countryside, where mushrooms were a treasured seasonal ingredient.
- Pour in the turkey gravy and chicken broth (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, then add the dried thyme. Let the gravy simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stir in the shredded turkey, warming it through in the gravy for about 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. I always remind myself to taste as I go—my Nonna Rosa would say, “The secret is in the tasting.”
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every strand with that luscious gravy. Let it all simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the noodles soak up those comforting juices.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish. Serve immediately, preferably in warm bowls that invite you to linger and savor every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
