How to Make Turkey Tortellini from Christmas Turkey Leftover
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Christmas dinner has come and gone, and now you’re staring at that sad leftover Christmas turkey, wondering what to do with it. Sure, you could go for the classic turkey sandwich or toss it into a salad, but let’s be honest: that sounds so boring! If you’re searching for Christmas turkey leftover ideas, our roast turkey tortellini recipe is the perfect solution.
This Christmas turkey leftover recipe is not only THE answer to the perennial “What to do with leftover Christmas turkey” question, but it is also a solution to a freezer-friendly meal dilemma for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
Why This Christmas Turkey Leftover Recipe Stands Out
When it comes to Christmas turkey leftover ideas, this tortellini recipe is unparalleled. Not only is it a perfect way to use up turkey leftovers, but it’s also a chance to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. Turkey tortellini blends the nostalgic holiday flavors with the excitement of homemade pasta, creating a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Moreover, this turkey tortellini recipe isn’t just for leftovers; it’s an opportunity to build lasting holiday traditions. Instead of spending Boxing Day shopping for more stuff, why not gather your friends and family for a fun and memorable get-together? Together, you can make these roast turkey tortellini, and everyone can take some home to enjoy. This way, the spirit of the holiday extends beyond the table and into your kitchen, filling the season with laughter and togetherness.
Whether you serve it fresh or freeze it for later, this leftover Christmas turkey recipe will make you look forward to roast turkey leftovers every holiday season and beyond. So, the next time you find yourself facing a pile of leftover Christmas turkey, you’ll know exactly what to do. Gather your loved ones, grab your rolling pins, get creative, and let the holiday magic live on in your kitchen, all while creating new traditions that everyone will cherish.
Ultimate Make-Ahead Meal
We get it! The thought of making homemade pasta might feel intimidating. In fact, it’s simpler than you think. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create pasta dough that’s far superior to anything store-bought. Plus, it’s a fun activity to tackle during the holiday downtime. Rolling out the dough, shaping the tortellini, and stuffing them with your delicious roast turkey mixture is surprisingly therapeutic—and the results are well worth the effort. Better yet, you can make a dough ahead! Just wrap it in the food plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for one day.
However, if you’re short on time, or not ready to try your hand at homemade pasta, pre-made wonton wrappers are a handy shortcut. While they’re not an equivalent of freshly made pasta, they’ll still deliver a good result.
Additionally, you can prepare roast turkey filling and let it sit in a fridge for up to 3 days.
Substitutions
- We’ve tried this pasta with roast duck leftovers, and it was fantastic!
- It’s also a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.
Freezing and Storing Turkey Tortellini
One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead, freezer-friendly nature. Here’s how to do it:
- Freeze Before Cooking: Arrange the shaped tortellini in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re not touching to prevent sticking. If your freezer has a fast freeze or flesh freeze function, be sure to use it!
- Store for Later: Once frozen solid, transfer the tortellini to a freezer-safe bag or container. Better yet, you can store tortellini using these vacuum storage bags in your freezer for up to six months!
- Cooking from Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy your turkey tortellini, simply drop the frozen tortellini into boiling salted water. No need to thaw. They’ll be ready in 3-4 minutes after they float to the surface.
Turkey Leftover Tortellini Preparation Steps
Turkey Tortellini
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup 00 flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups leftover turkey shredded and finely chopped
- 1 large onion finely diced
- 1 tbsp. oregano
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
Make the Pasta Dough:
- Combine flour on a clean surface or in a bowl. Make a well in the center.
- Crack eggs into the well.
- Using a fork or your fingers, gradually whisk the eggs while incorporating small amounts of flour from the edges of the well. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together and becomes too thick to mix with a fork.
- Once the dough begins to take shape, use your hands to knead it into a smooth, elastic ball. This process usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a sprinkle of flour. If it’s too dry, you can add a few drops of water.
- Once the dough is smooth and elastic, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
- After resting, the pasta dough is ready to be rolled. If using Atlas pasta machine, go for setting 6 on the dial.
Prepare the Turkey Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion with salt, pepper, and oregano until translucent (5-10 minutes).
- Add shredded and chopped turkey, stir to combine, and cook on medium-low for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool completely before you can use as a feeling in your pasta.
Assemble the Tortellini:
- Roll out dough into thin sheets using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
- Lay the rolled-out pasta dough over the flat surface and using a round cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles of about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center, moisten edges with water using your finger or a pastry brush.
- Fold the dough circle in half, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, making sure there are no air pockets.
- Then, bring the two corners of the half-moon together, overlapping slightly, and press to seal, forming the classic tortellini shape.
Freezing Instructions:
- Place uncooked tortellini in a single layer on a parchment or foil-lined flat surface. Freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to six months.
Cooking from Frozen:
- Boil salted water. Add frozen tortellini and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and serve with your favorite sauce.
Get Tools that will help you with this recipe:
We can’t wait to learn how this preserve recipe worked out for you. Leave us a comment below, like us on X, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Blue Sky. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQ:
How do I create a flat surface in a fridge to freeze my tortellini?
Firstly, you can use baking sheet large enough to fit into your freezer. Line it with a parchment paper or foil before you start arranging your tortellini on it.
Alternatively, line parchment or foil over cutting board and use it as your flat surface.
What sauces pair best with turkey tortellini?
The beauty of turkey tortellini is its versatility. You can pair it with a variety of sauces depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Tomato Sauce: A simple marinara brings bright acidity to complement the rich filling.
- Brown Butter and Sage: For a more indulgent and simple option, drizzle your cooked turkey tortellini with nutty brown butter and crispy sage leaves.
- Creamy Alfredo: A luxurious, creamy sauce will transform your leftover turkey tortellini into an extra-special treat.
- Light Broth: Keep it simple and let the turkey tortellini shine by serving them in a homemade chicken or vegetable broth.
- Boscaiola Sauce: By far, our favorite way to serve this leftover turkey tortellini, is alla boscaiola style. With its rich and earthy combination of mushrooms, pancetta, and cream, boscaiola sauce adds a rustic touch that perfectly complements the savory turkey filling.
Don’t forget to garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for the finishing touch.
