Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb smoked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 16 oz (1 jar) salsa or picante sauce
• 15-1/4 oz (1 can) shoepeg white corn, drained
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, oil reserved, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
• 1 Tbs lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 12 oz package linguine, cooked according to package directions
• 3/4 cup reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 3 Tbs fresh cilantro, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a 3-quart saucepan, over high heat, combine the smoked turkey, salsa, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of the reserved oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until heated throughout.
3. Meanwhile, cook the linguine according to the package directions and drain.
4. To serve, spoon the turkey and salsa mixture over the linguine.
5. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and chopped cilantro on top.
6. Enjoy the delicious and flavorful turkey and salsa linguine!

Here are some variations of the turkey and salsa linguine recipe:

1. Spicy Turkey Linguine: For those who love heat, add diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also use a spicier variety of salsa or picante sauce to amp up the heat.
2. Vegetarian Twist: Replace the smoked turkey with grilled or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to make a delicious vegetarian version of the dish.
3. Creamy Turkey Linguine: Add a touch of creaminess by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce. This will create a richer and creamier texture.
4. Mediterranean Flair: Enhance the flavors with Mediterranean ingredients. Add sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and artichoke hearts to the sauce, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil and oregano.
5. Tex-Mex Style: Incorporate Tex-Mex flavors by using a spicy chipotle salsa or picante sauce. Top the linguine with avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
6. Asian Fusion: Give the dish an Asian twist by substituting the salsa with a teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce. Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and water chestnuts to the sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
7. Pesto Turkey Linguine: Replace the salsa with a homemade or store-bought pesto sauce for a delightful pesto turkey linguine. Add some cherry tomatoes and pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
8. Greek-inspired: Combine the turkey with Mediterranean flavors by using Greek olive tapenade instead of salsa. Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to complete the Greek-inspired linguine.
9. Cajun Spice: Create a Cajun-inspired version by seasoning the turkey with Cajun spice blend and using a Cajun-style salsa or hot sauce. Serve with a side of cornbread or garlic bread.
10. Creamy Avocado Sauce: Blend ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic, and cilantro to make a creamy avocado sauce. Toss the cooked linguine with the turkey and salsa, then drizzle the avocado sauce over the top.
11. Hawaiian Twist: Add a tropical touch by mixing diced pineapple, shredded coconut, and sliced ham to the turkey and salsa mixture. Serve with a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts.
12. Lemon Herb Turkey Linguine: Sauté the turkey with lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Toss the linguine with the turkey and salsa, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.