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Ground Turkey Pasta

Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite

This Ground Turkey Pasta combines quick prep with healthy ingredients for a delicious family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Feel free to swap with any shape you love.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with canola or vegetable oil.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Opt for red onion for a sharper flavor.
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Switch with ground chicken or beef if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to meet dietary needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Sprinkle generously.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Feel free to substitute with oregano, basil, or thyme.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic preferred, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian swap.
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Use canned diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup Half-and-half Replace with heavy cream or non-dairy milk if desired.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Feel free to use provolone or dairy-free cheese.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Substitute with any melty cheese you enjoy.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley You can also use basil.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Optional for a spicy kick.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it's just shy of al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about a cup of pasta water for later use. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Introduce the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes or until the turkey is browned. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine, allowing the garlic to sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the browned turkey mixture and stir for about 1 minute to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, mixing continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to thicken for 3-5 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
  5. Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Stir in the half-and-half, adjusting the thickness of the sauce with the reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Lower the heat to low and stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted. Top with the remaining cheese, cover the skillet, and allow it to sit for a few minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted.
  7. Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for an added kick. Plate and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

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