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Turkey Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

Update: July 2026 – Nov 2023

Here at The Prairie Table, I love sharing wholesome family meals that bring comfort, make the most of simple ingredients, and create memories around the dinner table. This creamy pasta is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

There’s something special about gathering around the table for a hearty, home-cooked meal, and this Turkey Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo is exactly that kind of recipe. Made with tender turkey, fresh spinach, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or using up holiday leftovers.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in only 30 minutes
  • The perfect way to use leftover turkey
  • Rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce
  • Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition
  • Restaurant-quality comfort food made at home
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers
  • Easy to customize with mushrooms or broccoli

How to Make Turkey Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.

Step 4

Add the cooked turkey to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the leaves wilt into the sauce.

Step 5

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and gently toss everything together until every strand of pasta is coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce. If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Garnish with chopped parsley and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.


Tips for the Best Turkey Alfredo

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce.
  • Don’t let the Alfredo sauce boil or it may separate.
  • Add the spinach at the end so it stays vibrant and doesn’t overcook.
  • Reserve pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
  • Fresh cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan make the perfect finishing touch.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins.

Try adding:

  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Green peas
  • Crispy bacon
  • Caramelized onions

You can also substitute leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken if you don’t have turkey on hand.


Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the Alfredo sauce’s creamy texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?

Absolutely! This recipe was made for leftover holiday turkey and is one of the best ways to transform it into a completely new meal.

Can I freeze Turkey Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo?

Cream sauces don’t freeze particularly well because they can separate after thawing. For the best texture, enjoy this recipe fresh or within a few days.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes. You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, although the Alfredo sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick.

What should I serve with Turkey Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo?

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

More Turkey Recipes You’ll Love

If you have leftover turkey to use up, be sure to try my Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy, Turkey Pot Pie, Turkey Noodle Soup, and Turkey Tetrazzini for even more delicious family dinners.

More from The Prairie Table
Looking for more comforting family dinners? Browse The Prairie Table collection for cozy casseroles, hearty soups, creamy pastas, classic comfort foods, and easy weeknight meals made with simple ingredients and plenty of Prairie hospitality.

Turkey Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

Turkey Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo

Yield: 6
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

    Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
    Step 2
    Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
    Step 3
    Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
    Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
    Step 4
    Add the cooked turkey to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
    Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the leaves wilt into the sauce.
    Step 5
    Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and gently toss everything together until every strand of pasta is coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce. If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
    Garnish with chopped parsley and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Tips for the Best Turkey Alfredo
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest sauce.
Don't let the Alfredo sauce boil or it may separate.
Add the spinach at the end so it stays vibrant and doesn't overcook.
Reserve pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
Fresh cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan make the perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 804Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 29gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 239mgSodium: 1193mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 59g

These calculations are based off Nutritionix

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