kosher saltsmall handful (to season the pasta water)
1tablespoonolive oil
1pound93% lean ground turkey
2clovesgarlicminced or grated
1/2small onionsmall chopped or grated
2tablespoonsItalian seasoning
4tablespoonsunsalted butter
1/4cupflour
2cupswhole milk
1/4teaspoonnutmeg
1/4teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonpepper
8ounceItalian cheese blend cheeseshredded
12ouncebag frozen peas
salt and pepper to taste
fresh grated Parmesan cheeseto taste
2tablespoonsfresh parsleychopped
Instructions
In a medium frying pan, over medium-high heat, add olive oil, garlic and onions. Cook until onions are translucent, add turkey and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Sear turkey on one side and break up with wooden spoon. Add remaining tablespoon of Italian seasoning and cook until done. Remove from pan and place in a bowl. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 6 to 8 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, in a large sauce pan melt butter.
Add flour and whisk until the raw flour flavor dissolves, about 2 minutes.
Add 2 cups of milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper, whisk until mixture starts thickening. Add cheese, stir with a spoon until dissolved. Add parsley. Mix well until combined.
Place a sieve over a heat safe bowl, filled with frozen peas. Drain pasta into sieve (slightly cooking the peas).
Return pasta to pot. Pour cheese over pasta. Add turkey and peas. Stir and add reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time, until it has a perfect creamy consistency.
Sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. Serve immediately.