Creamy Spinach & Turkey Carbonara

Creamy Spinach & Turkey Carbonara

A quick and luxurious Italian pasta dish featuring lean ground turkey, wilted spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made with eggs and Parmesan cheese, served with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Dietary

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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add 4 cloves minced garlic to the turkey in the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 5 ounces fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Once the spaghetti is drained (and some pasta water reserved), immediately add it to the skillet with the turkey and spinach. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing quickly and continuously to coat the spaghetti, using a splash or two of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs without scrambling them.
  6. Prepare 6 slices garlic bread by baking or toasting according to package instructions. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for a vinaigrette) to make a dressing. Toss with 5 ounces mixed greens for a simple salad.
  7. Serve the carbonara immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper, alongside the warm garlic bread and fresh green salad.

Notes

Ensure your pasta is very hot when adding the egg mixture to properly cook the eggs and create a silky sauce without scrambling. This dish is best served immediately but leftovers can be reheated gently.

Nutrition (per serving)