Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 2 cups homemade or store-bought turkey gravy (preferably from roasted turkey drippings)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey, shredded (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth (to thin gravy if needed)
Substitution suggestions: If you prefer gluten-free noodles, rice noodles or gluten-free pasta work beautifully. For a vegetarian twist, swap the turkey gravy with a rich mushroom gravy and use vegetable broth in place of turkey broth.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step brings out a subtle sweetness that Mama Lou always said made the gravy sing.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—garlic can turn bitter quickly.
- Pour in the turkey gravy and gently stir in the dried thyme, if using. If the gravy is too thick, add the broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. I remember Mama Lou always saying, “Gravy should be like a velvet hug, not a heavy coat.”
- Allow the gravy to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This lets the flavors meld and the gravy thicken slightly.
- If you have leftover turkey, fold in the shredded meat now. It adds a lovely texture and depth, making the dish feel like a full meal rather than just noodles and sauce.
- Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the gravy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately, savoring every bite and remembering the stories shared around the table—just like Mama Lou and Ouma would.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
