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Creamy Chicken Carbonara – A Weeknight Favorite

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This Creamy Chicken Carbonara is a hearty, satisfying twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. It features tender penne pasta tossed in a velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic and onion. The addition of savory turkey sausage and fresh vegetables, including red bell peppers and spinach, brings a wholesome, flavorful touch to the dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to please the whole family. With every bite, you’ll enjoy a balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with the vibrant freshness of the vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

For the sauce:

  • 1 lb (450g) turkey sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce cook for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Return the cooked turkey sausage to the sauce and mix well.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • Pasta Choice: Penne is used in this recipe for its ability to hold the sauce well, but other shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti can be used as substitutes.
  • Protein Options: Turkey sausage is a lean and flavorful choice, but you can swap it with chicken sausage, bacon, pancetta, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian alternative.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. Stir gently to maintain its creamy texture.
  • Vegetable Additions: Red bell peppers and spinach are included for sweetness and nutrition, but you can customize with mushrooms, peas, broccoli, or zucchini.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based alternative, and use vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: For meal prep, store the pasta and sauce separately. Combine and reheat gently before serving to keep the dish fresh and creamy.
  • Reheating Leftovers: Add a splash of liquid (milk, cream, or broth) when reheating to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
  • Garnishing: Top the dish with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/creamy-chicken-carbonara-a-weeknight-favorite/