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Post-Thanksgiving and have a heap of leftovers? Try my Leftover Turkey Bacon Alfredo Skillet Meal. Made in a single pan, penne pasta is coated in a creamy alfredo sauce with bacon, peas, and leftover turkey.
Buy a too-big turkey? Or do you plan for Thanksgiving leftovers? Either way, you may have some extra turkey on hand that needs to get used up. When you tire of making turkey sandwiches each day, try my leftover turkey bacon alfredo skillet meal. It’s made in a single pan in just 30 minutes time.
Let’s talk about this skillet meal. First of all, I absolutely adore skillet meals. My Cajun Chicken and Spinach Parmesan Pasta Skillet Meal might be right up your alley if you like a creamy pasta sauce. Or, try a fun and nostalgic Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
There’s nothing better than making an entire meal in a single pan. Less clean up? I’m a happy camper. Second, this dish makes a creamy parmesan alfredo sauce and includes bacon. Everything’s better with bacon, am I right?
For this meal (and really every meal) I like to use fresh-frozen peas. They keep a nice crunch and don’t get mushy like canned peas. Plus, it’s nice to have that fresh bite to cut through the heavy alfredo sauce. However, if you have other leftover veggies from your Thanksgiving dinner, this is a great place to use them up. Try adding corn or green beans instead.
Don’t have turkey on hand? While it is the star of the show here, you’re welcome to substitute. A rotisserie chicken would work well. Have leftover ham? If that’s the case, I’d substitute the turkey and bacon for ham.
Leftover Turkey Bacon Alfredo Skillet Meal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 and 1/4 cups penne pasta uncooked
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound leftover turkey shredded
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- In a saute pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute, or until garlic begins to lightly brown.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, pasta, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until pasta is barely al dente (check page directions of pasta).
- Uncover and add turkey, bacon, peas, and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until dish is warmed through and cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and allow to set for 5 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it stands. Serve and enjoy.
I cooked my chopped bacon first in the pan, removed it and then carried on with the recipe. This was a hardy and quick meal to prepare! LOVED it! Thanks for sharing Ü
That’s a great idea Tracy, thanks for sharing and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I added some onion and mushrooms… Forgot the peas but it was still delish!
Yum, great ideas! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Can this be frozen?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing anything with a creamy sauce like this recipe, because it tends to separate when reheating.