Smoked Turkey and Spring Pea Fettuccine: A Delightful Seasonal Pasta

Spring is in the air, and with it comes an abundance of fresh, vibrant ingredients perfect for creating light and flavorful meals. This Smoked Turkey and Spring Pea Fettuccine recipe is a celebration of the season, combining the savory depth of smoked turkey with the sweetness of spring peas, all tossed in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Flavor Combination:** The smoky turkey provides a rich, savory base that complements the sweetness of the peas perfectly. The herbs add a fresh, aromatic dimension, while the creamy sauce ties everything together.
* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Seasonal Ingredients:** Using fresh spring peas ensures the best flavor and texture. However, frozen peas can be substituted if fresh ones are not available.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Add other vegetables like asparagus or mushrooms, or substitute the turkey with chicken or ham.
* **Impressive Yet Simple:** This pasta dish looks and tastes impressive, but it requires minimal effort to prepare.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious pasta dish:

* **Fettuccine Pasta:** 1 pound. Fettuccine is the classic choice for this recipe, as its wide, flat shape holds the sauce beautifully. However, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like linguine, penne, or farfalle.
* **Smoked Turkey Breast:** 1 pound, diced. Smoked turkey breast adds a wonderfully smoky and savory flavor to the dish. Look for pre-smoked turkey breast at your local deli or butcher shop. You can also use leftover smoked turkey from a holiday meal.
* **Fresh Spring Peas:** 2 cups, shelled. Fresh spring peas are the star of this dish, providing a burst of sweetness and freshness. If fresh peas are not available, you can substitute with frozen peas. Thaw them before adding to the recipe.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less thick.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup. Chicken broth adds flavor and moisture to the sauce. You can substitute with vegetable broth if you prefer.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 1/4 cup, chopped (a combination of parsley, chives, and dill). Fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the dish. Use a combination of your favorite herbs, such as parsley, chives, dill, or mint.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and turkey.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Salt and black pepper are used to season the dish.
* **Lemon Zest:** 1 teaspoon (optional). Lemon zest adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Smoked Turkey and Spring Pea Fettuccine:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and make it more flavorful.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Turkey and Peas**

* While the pasta is cooking, dice the smoked turkey breast into bite-sized pieces.
* If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, thaw them.

**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Turkey**

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the diced smoked turkey and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
* Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest (if using).

**Step 5: Add the Peas and Pasta**

* Add the fresh or thawed peas to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
* Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Step 6: Add the Herbs and Serve**

* Stir in the chopped fresh herbs.
* Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as asparagus, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables with the garlic and turkey.
* **Use Different Protein:** If you don’t have smoked turkey, you can substitute with cooked chicken, ham, or prosciutto. You can also use vegetarian alternatives like smoked tofu or tempeh.
* **Make it Lighter:** For a lighter version of this dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use a lower-fat cheese.
* **Add a Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free fettuccine pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Lemon Juice:** Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.
* **Nutmeg:** A pinch of nutmeg added to the cream sauce can create a comforting and warm flavor profile.
* **Wine Pairing:** This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

## Serving Suggestions

This Smoked Turkey and Spring Pea Fettuccine is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a perfect accompaniment to this pasta dish.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is great for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** If you want to add more protein to the meal, you can serve this pasta dish with grilled chicken or fish.

## Make Ahead Instructions

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

* **Turkey:** Dice the smoked turkey and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Peas:** Shell the fresh peas (if using) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Sauce:** You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce over medium heat before adding the pasta and peas.

When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta according to the recipe instructions and add it to the sauce along with the peas.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Smoked Turkey and Spring Pea Fettuccine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Smoked Turkey and Spring Pea Fettuccine Recipe

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound fettuccine pasta
* 1 pound smoked turkey breast, diced
* 2 cups fresh spring peas, shelled (or frozen, thawed)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, chives, dill)
* 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

**Equipment:**

* Large pot
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Colander

**Instructions**

1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Turkey and Peas:** Dice the smoked turkey breast into bite-sized pieces. Shell the fresh peas, if using. If using frozen peas, thaw them.
3. **Sauté the Garlic and Turkey:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the diced smoked turkey and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4. **Make the Sauce:** Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest (if using).
5. **Add the Peas and Pasta:** Add the fresh or thawed peas to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. **Add the Herbs and Serve:** Stir in the chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Smoked Turkey and Spring Pea Fettuccine! This recipe is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of spring and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal.