TURKEY PASTA WITH CRANBERRY CREAM SAUCE

Turkey Pasta with Cranberry Cream Sauce image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 16

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3/4 lb. your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, rotini or shells (cooked)
6 pcs bacon (cooked til crisp then crumbled)
1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 sweet onion (chopped (about 2/3 cup))
1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups fat-free half and half (cream or whole milk)
1/2 cup white wine (such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
10 oz package frozen peas (or 2 cups of leftover peas)
3 cups cooked turkey or chicken (chopped)
1/2 cup Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (grated)
Garnish: sliced green onions, (chopped parsley)

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain in colander and set aside.
Fry bacon in large 12" oven-safe skillet until crisp. Remove from pan to paper towel to cool.
Add onion, bell pepper and minced garlic to bacon fat in skillet and saute for 5 minutes or until onion is soft.
Whisk in half and half, wine, cranberry sauce, and seasonings. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Add frozen peas, chopped turkey, and 3/4 of the bacon, reserving remaining bacon for garnish. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, or until peas are cooked. Add pasta and stir well.
Top with parmesan cheese and place under broiler until cheese is browned, about 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and garnish with remaining bacon and sliced green onions.