Ever have one of those days where everything’s just. .
. off?
Well, this Creamy Turkey Pasta Carbonara is like a big, warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those unpredictable weeknights. It’s a delightful mix of creamy and savory that somehow feels like a weekend treat but without the fuss—plus, it’s a great excuse to use up that leftover turkey from the fridge.
Steps
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until it is cooked.
- In a large pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes brown and crispy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Use the bacon fat in the pan to cook the minced onion for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the McCormick Simply Better Turkey Gravy and heavy cream into the pan. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the gravy mixture and stir well.
- Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the gravy sauce, diced turkey, peas, and cooked bacon.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, and add extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 12 ounce carton McCormick Simply Better Turkey Gravy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (McCormick)
- 1/2 cup peas, thawed from frozen
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3360kcal | Carbohydrates: 368g | Protein: 112g | Fat: 152g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Cholesterol: 392mg | Sodium: 5448mg | Potassium: 1872mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 3640IU | Vitamin C: 44.8mg | Calcium: 976mg | Iron: 8.8mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the turkey with another type of meat?
- Absolutely! You can replace turkey with cooked chicken to make this dish any time of the year. Additionally, leftover holiday ham can be used instead of bacon for a different flavor.
- What are some variations I can try with this turkey pasta carbonara?
- You can experiment with different ingredients based on what you have. For instance, use chopped green beans instead of peas, or swap parsley with green onions for a fresh twist.
- Is it possible to prepare any parts of this dish in advance?
- Yes, to save time, you can dice the turkey on Thanksgiving Day before storing it in the fridge. Using pre-cooked bacon can also speed up the process, allowing you to focus on preparing the sauce while your pasta boils.
- What sides pair well with turkey pasta carbonara?
- This pasta is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and a warm baguette. Alternatively, you can serve it with leftover Thanksgiving rolls warmed up in the oven.
- How can I make the sauce for the carbonara without eggs?
- In this recipe, the sauce is created using McCormick Simply Better Turkey Gravy and heavy cream, which eliminates the need for eggs while still achieving a creamy texture.
Tips
- Dice Ahead: Prepare by chopping your turkey on Thanksgiving day, which will save you time when you’re ready to make this dish. You can also use pre-cooked bacon to make the process even faster.
- Customise Ingredients: Feel free to modify the recipe based on available leftovers. Substitute peas with chopped green beans or replace bacon with diced holiday ham. Green onions can be used instead of parsley for added flavor.
- Prepare While Cooking: Start making the creamy sauce while the pasta is boiling to streamline your cooking process and have the meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Serve with Sides: For a more complete meal, pair the turkey pasta carbonara with a baguette and a fresh green salad, or warm up leftover Thanksgiving rolls as a side dish.
Equipment
- Large Pan with Lid – Necessary for cooking bacon and making the sauce.
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for removing bacon from the pan while leaving the grease behind.
- Pasta Pot – A pot large enough to boil 12 ounces of spaghetti.
- Grater – For grating parmesan cheese, if not using pre-grated cheese.
