There is arguably no better dish to satisfy your taste buds than a creamy fettuccine carbonara recipe when the craving sets in. What if you don’t particularly enjoy the taste of bacon? Or maybe you need a delicious version that is healthier? Not to worry, I’ve got you in this recipe. In this case, we substitute pancetta or bacon for smoked turkey and you will miss no flavor. It is rich and satisfying, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed cozy weekend meal. Let’s dive in!

Why Do You Have to Try This Fettuccine Carbonara?

If you have been contemplating trying carbonara because of the ever so classic bacon or pancetta, trust me that this rendition with smoked turkey will have everything changed. It is the ideal proportion of creamy, cheesy, and smoky, all without the use of pork. What tops it off? It is still delicious enough to make sure that you will want to have more (or even more). Not to mention, it is one of those recipes that look gourmet but are quite simple to prepare, hence you can wow your family or guests without much hassle.

This carbonara served with fettuucine is a hug in a mug, or in this case a plate, because it comforts with each bite met with a silky sauce that hugs the noodles. You will not miss the bacon, I promise! You might also enjoy exploring other pasta recipes like my Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe or Chicken Alfredo Recipe.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Let’s not kid ourselves; this dish is meant to be enjoyed and it is also beneficial nutritionally. The addition of smoked turkey makes it more proteinaceous as compared to bacon or pancetta, so you will still relish that flavorful crunch without the extra grease. Also, eggs and parmesan have proteins and calcium so this dish is somewhat wholesome in addition to being delicious. For more on the health benefits of gluten-free pasta, check out this article on quinoa pasta and its nutritional value.

If you’re looking to lighten it up even more, consider using zucchini noodles or gluten-free fettuccine for a low-carb or gluten-free option. You can always adapt the recipe to fit your dietary needs while keeping the taste just as fabulous.

For more healthy pasta alternatives, check out The Benefits of Gluten-Free Pasta.

A Story from My Kitchen

I confess I avoided making carbonara fettuccine Alfredo pasta simply because it sounded too fancy for a weeknight dinner. One night, thought, I had a craving for a creamy pasta so I decided to give it a shot. Oh man, was I wrong. This has become one of my most reliable recipes for weeknight family dinners or even when we have guests over. No failing to delight everyone that tastes it, and the best part is nobody ever guesses that it’s made without traditional pancetta. I’m beyond excited to show you, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your home as well.

Ingredients Overview

An assortment of ingredients for Fettuccine Carbonara with smoky turkey, including garlic, eggs, parmesan cheese, black pepper, smoked turkey, extra-virgin olive oil, fettuccine pasta, and an egg yolk, arranged on a clean white background — Ingredients for making a delicious Fettuccine Carbonara with smoky turkey

Here’s everything you need to make this creamy fettuccine carbonara:

1 box of Fettuccine (~500g) – If you’re feeling extra, use homemade pasta dough for an even fresher taste. Check out my Exploring Pasta Recipes from History for more pasta inspiration.
2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds a light, rich base to the dish.
150 grams Smoked turkey – A lean, flavorful alternative to pancetta or bacon, giving your carbonara that smoky, savory touch.
4 cloves Garlic – Fresh garlic adds depth to the flavor without overpowering the dish.
2 large Eggs & 1 large Egg yolk – The key to creating that velvety, creamy sauce.
1 cup Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan is what makes this dish rich and cheesy.
Freshly ground black pepper – A little pepper adds just the right kick.
1/2 cup Pasta water – This reserved pasta water is your secret weapon to make the sauce perfectly smooth.

Recipe Steps: Fettuccine Carbonara Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Ready to dive in and make some deliciousness? Here’s how to prepare your fettuccine carbonara recipe:

Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the fettuccine and cook until it’s al dente, about 10 minutes. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water—this will help you create a silky, smooth sauce.

Close-up shot of fettuccine pasta boiling in a pot, with steam rising and a wooden spoon stirring the noodles — Cooking fettuccine pasta to perfection. The noodles are soft and ready to be combined with the creamy smoked turkey sauce

Cook the Smoked Turkey: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the smoked turkey and cook until it gets crispy, about 5 minutes. This step gives the turkey a nice texture and brings out its smoky flavor. Afterward, grate the garlic into the pan and cook it for another minute, just until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and Parmesan until smooth. Set it aside—this creamy mixture will make the sauce irresistibly rich.
Combine Pasta and Smoked Turkey: Once the pasta is cooked, transfer it directly into the pan with the garlic and smoked turkey. Toss the pasta around for 2-3 minutes, ensuring each noodle is coated in the savory turkey oil.

fettuccine pasta with smoked turkey being stirred in a pan — Tossing fettuccine pasta with smoked turkey in a pan, adding the perfect touch of freshly ground black pepper for a flavorful, creamy carbonara

Create the Sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta. Stir quickly—this is where the magic happens! The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating that luscious, creamy sauce. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help achieve the perfect smooth consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve your creamy fettuccine carbonara immediately. Enjoy every bite! For more pasta recipes, consider trying my Tomatillo Pasta Recipe.

Mastering Fettuccine Carbonara: Advanced Tips and Variations

Want to get creative with your carbonara? Here are a few fun variations:

Fettuccine con Funghi Carbone: Add sautéed mushrooms to the smoked turkey for a rich, earthy flavor. It’s the perfect combo if you love a little extra depth in your dish.
Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara: For an added protein boost, toss in some grilled chicken. This variation makes the dish feel like a complete meal. Explore more chicken recipes like Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the smoked turkey for smoked tempeh or extra mushrooms for a plant-based version that still delivers that satisfying, smoky taste.

Cooking Tips

Smoked turkey too lean for you? No problem! If you’re craving a bit more texture, feel free to add a touch of olive oil or use a small amount of turkey bacon (but no regular bacon, remember!).
Eggs are key: The eggs give the sauce its velvety smooth texture, so make sure you whisk them well. Don’t skip the Parmesan—it’s what makes the sauce luxurious.
Pasta water is your friend: The starchy pasta water helps to create the perfect sauce. Keep a little extra on hand just in case you need to thin it out.

Fettuccine Carbonara: Serving Suggestions

Wondering how to serve your fettuccine carbonara recipe? Here are a few ideas:

Brunch or Breakfast: Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a light, balanced meal. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect brunch. Check out Breakfast Pizza Recipe for a hearty breakfast alternative.
For Dinner: A simple arugula salad or a side of roasted asparagus complements the creamy richness of the carbonara.
Toppings: If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top or even a few fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A little extra black pepper never hurts either!

How to Store Fettuccine Carbonara: Best Practices

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan with a splash of pasta water to bring back its creamy texture. Unfortunately, carbonara doesn’t freeze well due to the egg-based sauce, so try to eat it all up while it’s fresh!

FAQ’s

Q: Can I substitute smoked turkey in this recipe?

A: Yes! If you’re not into smoked turkey, you can use smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a delicious plant-based alternative. It’ll still be just as tasty!

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Simple—just use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. You’ll still get all the creamy goodness, minus the gluten.