Delicious Leftover Turkey Carbonara: The Ultimate Post-Thanksgiving Comfort Food
Say goodbye to boring leftovers! This incredible Turkey Carbonara recipe is the ultimate solution for transforming your post-Thanksgiving turkey into a gourmet, comforting meal. Imagine a luscious, creamy carbonara sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta, studded with savory cubed turkey, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and aromatic onion. It’s not just a way to use up those holiday remnants; it’s a delightful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, this recipe proves that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end at the dinner table.
Why This Turkey Carbonara Recipe Works So Well
This Turkey Carbonara isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary creation that expertly balances classic Italian technique with resourceful leftover utilization. The secret lies in the carbonara sauce itself – a truly decadent blend of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, expertly emulsified to create a silky coating for every strand of pasta. Unlike heavier Alfredo sauces, a true carbonara achieves its rich texture without being overly thick, letting the other ingredients shine. When combined with tender, savory turkey, salty crispy bacon, and the subtle sweetness of peas and onion, it becomes a deeply satisfying and surprisingly elegant meal.
What makes this recipe particularly brilliant is its versatility and the way it elevates humble leftovers. Instead of merely reheating turkey, you’re giving it a vibrant second life, infused with incredible flavors. It’s a dish that feels special enough for a weeknight dinner but comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings when you crave something hearty and delicious. The combination of textures – chewy pasta, tender turkey, crunchy bacon bits, and soft peas – provides a delightful eating experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. It truly embodies comfort food at its finest, warming both the belly and the soul.
Key Ingredients for Your Turkey Carbonara
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Turkey Carbonara. While the recipe is designed to be flexible, using quality components will undoubtedly enhance the final flavor. Below is a list of what you’ll need, along with important details and suggestions for each. For exact measurements and a printable version, be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the end of this post.
Beyond the core components like pasta, turkey, and bacon, remember that fresh aromatics and good quality dairy are crucial for an authentic and rich carbonara experience. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, good quality olive oil, and fresh eggs make a noticeable difference in the depth and silkiness of the sauce. Don’t underestimate the power of these fundamental ingredients to elevate your homemade carbonara to restaurant-quality status!
Ingredient Information & Smart Substitution Suggestions
Achieving the perfect Turkey Carbonara often comes down to understanding your ingredients and knowing when and how to make smart substitutions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the components that make this dish sing:
- PASTA – While we lean towards rotini for its ability to beautifully hold the creamy sauce in its spirals, almost any pasta shape can be used. Traditional carbonara often features long strands like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. These longer pastas offer a classic, elegant presentation. For those preferring shorter shapes, penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work wonderfully, ensuring every bite is loaded with sauce. For dietary needs, feel free to use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
- BACON – The smoky, salty crispness of bacon is a cornerstone of this carbonara. We often cook our bacon in the oven, which frees up stovetop space and results in perfectly crisp strips. Another excellent, space-saving option is to make bacon in the air fryer. For a classic Italian touch, pancetta can be substituted for bacon, offering a slightly milder, cured pork flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon is a perfectly acceptable substitute that still provides a good savory element.
- TURKEY – This recipe truly shines as a way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. It specifically calls for cubed cooked turkey, making it ideal for that leftover roasted bird. You can use white meat, dark meat, or a combination. If you don’t have cubes, shredded turkey works just as well and integrates seamlessly into the sauce. Should you not have leftover turkey, cooked chicken (cubed or shredded) is an excellent stand-in, allowing you to enjoy this delicious carbonara year-round.
- PEAS – Frozen peas add a lovely pop of color, a touch of sweetness, and a welcome dose of vegetables to the dish. They thaw quickly in the hot pasta, so no prior cooking is needed. If peas aren’t your favorite, don’t worry! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Consider substituting with other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced mushrooms (sautéed with the turkey), chopped green beans, or tender asparagus tips. Alternatively, for a truly minimalist carbonara, you can omit the vegetables entirely without compromising the core flavor of the sauce.
- HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM – This is key to the sauce’s richness and luxurious texture. While traditional carbonara relies solely on eggs, cheese, and pasta water for its creaminess, this recipe incorporates heavy cream for a more robust and forgiving sauce. Ensure it’s full-fat for the best results.
- EGGS – Large eggs are essential for creating the luscious carbonara sauce. They are tempered with the warm cream, creating an emulsion that thickens the sauce beautifully without scrambling.
- PARMESAN CHEESE – Freshly grated Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible) is highly recommended. It melts smoothly and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- GARLIC & ONION – These aromatics form the flavorful base of the dish, sautéed in olive oil to release their fragrant essence. Minced garlic and chopped onion add depth and a subtle sweetness that complements the rich sauce.
- OLIVE OIL – A good quality olive oil is used to sauté the garlic, onion, and turkey, adding a foundational layer of flavor to the dish.
- CHICKEN BASE/BOUILLON – This enhances the savory depth of the sauce. If you don’t have chicken base, a good quality chicken bouillon cube or powder can be dissolved in a small amount of hot water before adding.
How to Make Easy & Delicious Turkey Carbonara
This Turkey Carbonara recipe is surprisingly simple, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The key to a perfect carbonara lies in the timing and the technique of emulsifying the egg and cheese with the warm pasta and sauce. Don’t be intimidated; follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish in no time! These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- **Prepare the Pasta:** Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This is crucial as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce. Drain the pasta, rinse it briefly in warm water to prevent sticking, and set it aside. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a carbonara secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency!
- **Sauté Aromatics and Turkey:** In a large deep-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Introduce the cubed cooked turkey to the skillet. Season generously with garlic salt and black pepper to taste, stirring to ensure the turkey is well coated and heated through.
- **Cook Onion & Remove Mixture:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the turkey and garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and become translucent. Once cooked, remove the entire contents of the skillet (turkey, garlic, and onion) to a baking sheet or plate and set aside. This clears the skillet for your sauce.
- **Start the Carbonara Sauce:** Return the empty skillet to the stovetop over medium-high heat. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the chicken base. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and the chicken base has dissolved, creating a smooth, rich liquid base for your sauce.
- **Temper the Eggs:** In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. This next step is crucial for a smooth sauce: while continuously whisking the heavy cream mixture in the skillet, slowly drizzle in the whisked eggs. This process, called tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the eggs, preventing them from scrambling and instead creating a beautiful, thick, and creamy emulsion.
- **Add Cheese & Bring to Boil:** Once the eggs are fully incorporated, whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Continue to whisk gently as you bring the sauce to a gentle boil. This ensures the sauce thickens and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- **Combine All Ingredients:** Now for the grand finale! Add the cooked pasta and the reserved turkey mixture back into the skillet with the carbonara sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta and turkey is generously coated in the creamy sauce.
- **Add Final Touches & Serve:** Finally, add the frozen peas and the cooked chopped bacon to the skillet. Continue to heat through for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly, until the peas are tender-crisp and everything is piping hot. Serve your delicious Turkey Carbonara immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Turkey Carbonara
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Turkey Carbonara for days to come. Once the dish has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of milk or a tablespoon of pasta water to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture, as carbonara can thicken significantly when chilled. Stir frequently until heated through. Freezing carbonara is generally not recommended as the egg and cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Absolutely! The beauty of this easy Turkey Carbonara recipe is its adaptability to various pasta shapes. While our recipe uses rotini, which excels at catching and holding the rich sauce, you have many excellent options. Classic choices for carbonara include long, thin pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine, which offer an elegant twirl and are fantastic for coating. Shorter, textured pastas such as penne, rigatoni, or even orecchiette are also great, as their nooks and crannies trap the creamy sauce and other ingredients effectively. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta to find what works best for you and your family!
Achieving a truly outstanding creamy carbonara involves a few simple tricks:
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a cup or two of the starchy pasta water. It’s gold! You can use it to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick, helping to create that perfect silky consistency.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan (or Parmigiano-Reggiano) over pre-grated. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and has a far superior flavor.
- Temper Your Eggs Properly: The key to a non-scrambled, creamy carbonara sauce is tempering the eggs. Slowly drizzle the whisked eggs into the warm cream while continuously whisking to gradually raise their temperature.
- Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. The sauce is at its peak creaminess right after it’s made.
- Don’t Overcook: The sauce should be creamy, not chunky. Remove from direct heat when combining the pasta and sauce to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings, especially garlic salt and black pepper, before serving.
- Garnish for Impact: A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley or chives can add freshness and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Turkey Carbonara
This rich and satisfying Turkey Carbonara stands wonderfully on its own as a hearty main course. However, pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate your meal into a truly complete and memorable dining experience. For the best flavor and texture, serve it warm straight from the skillet, ideally garnished with a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- With Bread: A crusty loaf of bread is an absolute must for soaking up every last bit of that luscious carbonara sauce. Garlic bread, garlic knots, or even simple toasted artisan bread are fantastic choices that complement the dish beautifully.
- Fresh Salad: To balance the richness of the carbonara, a light and crisp side salad is ideal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, a classic Caesar salad, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad will provide a welcome contrast in flavors and textures.
- Roasted Vegetables: While the peas add a touch of greens, a side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can add more depth and nutrients to your meal.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the creamy, savory notes of the carbonara.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting allure of pasta, you’re in the right place! We have a treasure trove of delightful pasta recipes waiting for you to discover. From classic Italian favorites to creative new twists, there’s a pasta dish for every craving and occasion.
- Classic Pasta Carbonara
- Fresh & Vibrant Pasta Primavera
- Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Garlicky Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Creamy Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta
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Turkey Carbonara
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ pound rotini pasta 8 ounces
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 14 ounces cooked smoked turkey cubed/cut into bite-sized chunks
- garlic salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon chicken base or bouillon
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 Tablespoons cooked chopped bacon about 5 slices
- ¾ cup frozen peas
Things You’ll Need
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Large deep sided skillet
Before You Begin
- This recipe requires cubed cooked turkey, which means it’s perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers! The turkey can also be shredded.
- Any pasta can be used. We prefer rotini, but linguini is commonly used with carbonara. Fettuccine or spaghetti are other popular options.
- I like to make my bacon in the oven that way the stovetop is clear for me to focus on the rest of the ingredients. If desired, you can substitute with turkey bacon in this recipe.
- Feel free to substitute with other vegetables such as mushrooms, green beans, or asparagus if you aren’t a fan of peas. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether but they add a nice pop of color and a little dose of veggie to the plate.
- Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat over medium-low heat on the stovetop.
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse in warm water, and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large deep sided skillet over medium high heat until shimmering.
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Add minced garlic and saute 1-2 minutes. Add turkey cubes. Season to taste with garlic salt and black pepper.
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Add onion to skillet and cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the contents of the skillet to a baking sheet and set aside.
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Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add heavy whipping cream and chicken base. Whisk to combine.
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In a medium bowl whisk the eggs. While continuously whisking the heavy cream in the skillet, slowly drizzle in the eggs to temper them.
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Whisk in the parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Add cooked pasta and turkey mixture. Stir to coat. Add peas and bacon and heat through before serving.
Nutrition
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.