Elevate Your Thanksgiving: Creamy Turkey & Herb Egg Noodles Recipe

Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance, a time for family, and of course, a feast! While the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes often steal the spotlight, there’s always room for a delicious and unexpected side dish. This year, why not ditch the predictable and wow your guests with a creamy, flavorful, and comforting bowl of Thanksgiving Egg Noodles? This recipe takes the classic holiday flavors and transforms them into a satisfying and unforgettable noodle dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

## Why Thanksgiving Egg Noodles?

Egg noodles are a fantastic alternative to traditional sides for several reasons:

* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** Egg noodles, especially when bathed in a creamy sauce, are undeniably comforting. They evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, perfect for the Thanksgiving season.
* **Unique Texture and Flavor:** Their slightly chewy texture and delicate flavor provide a wonderful contrast to the other rich and savory dishes on the table.
* **Excellent Sauce Carrier:** Egg noodles are designed to cling to sauces, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. They soak up all the deliciousness, making them incredibly satisfying.
* **Versatile and Adaptable:** This recipe is a great base that you can easily customize to your own preferences. Add different vegetables, herbs, or cheeses to create your own unique version.
* **Delicious Leftovers:** Thanksgiving Egg Noodles are even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully, making them a perfect lunch or late-night snack.

## The Perfect Thanksgiving Egg Noodles Recipe

This recipe is designed to be relatively easy and efficient, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time slaving away in the kitchen. It utilizes leftover turkey, but you can easily use shredded chicken or even cooked sausage if you prefer.

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound wide egg noodles
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
* Optional: Pinch of nutmeg

**Equipment:**

* Large pot for boiling noodles
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

**Instructions:**

**1. Cook the Noodles:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
* Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
* Drain the noodles well and set aside.

**2. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* In the large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**3. Cook the Mushrooms:**

* Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are softened and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
* If using, add the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

**4. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t boil the sauce after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
* If using, add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth.

**5. Add the Turkey and Herbs:**

* Stir in the shredded turkey, parsley, sage, and thyme.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to your preference.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the turkey is heated through.

**6. Combine and Serve:**

* Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the sauce and turkey mixture.
* Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
* Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor of this dish. If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount (e.g., 1 tablespoon dried parsley instead of 1/4 cup fresh parsley).
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as peas, carrots, or green beans. Add them to the skillet along with the mushrooms and cook until they are tender-crisp.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Fontina, or Asiago would all be delicious additions.
* **Spice it Up:** For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra mushrooms or other vegetables to make it a hearty vegetarian dish.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** After sauteing the aromatics and mushrooms, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through. Add the cooked egg noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Prepping Ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the noodles and turkey.

## Serving Suggestions

This Thanksgiving Egg Noodles dish pairs perfectly with:

* **Roasted Turkey:** It’s a natural complement to the main course.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a nice contrast to the richness of the noodles.
* **Stuffing:** It adds another layer of comforting carbohydrates to the meal.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** A classic Thanksgiving side dish that goes well with almost anything.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing salad can help balance out the richness of the meal.

## Troubleshooting

* **Sauce is too thick:** Add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
* **Sauce is too thin:** Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Noodles are sticking together:** Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to remove excess starch.
* **Turkey is dry:** Make sure to use leftover turkey that still has some moisture. You can also add a little extra chicken broth to the sauce to keep the turkey from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## More Thanksgiving Inspiration

Looking for more ways to elevate your Thanksgiving feast? Check out these other delicious recipes:

* [Link to a stuffing recipe] * [Link to a mashed potato recipe] * [Link to a cranberry sauce recipe] * [Link to a pumpkin pie recipe]

## Make This Thanksgiving Memorable

This Thanksgiving Egg Noodles recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. The creamy, comforting flavors and the unexpected twist on traditional Thanksgiving fare will surely be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration with this unforgettable dish. Enjoy!