Creamy Bacon and Turkey Pasta: A Family Favorite

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water.

Prepare the Bacon:

In a large skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.

Cook the Onion and Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the chopped purple onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Turkey:

Add the minced turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Make the Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the turkey and bacon mixture. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top, stirring to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Serve:

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips: