Ground Turkey Pasta
This quick and hearty Ground Turkey Pasta combines lean turkey, garlic, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce for a cozy, wholesome dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It’s light, flavorful, and the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment — ideal for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large pot for pasta
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey lean and tender, absorbs flavor well
- 1 tbsp olive oil for searing and richness
- 1 small onion finely diced for sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic minced, for aromatic depth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes forms the hearty sauce base
- 2 tbsp tomato paste for concentrated flavor
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth adds moisture and depth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend of herbs for warmth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, adds a gentle kick
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of choice penne, spaghetti, or shells
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for finishing and richness
- fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish
- Greek yogurt or ricotta optional, adds creaminess
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no pink remains.
- Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor. Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Simmer the sauce for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Brown the turkey well for maximum flavor and use fresh herbs for brightness. Save some pasta water — it helps the sauce cling perfectly. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of ricotta or Greek yogurt before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.5mg
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