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Ground Turkey Pasta

Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta: A Comforting Weeknight Delight

Experience the comforting flavors of Ground Turkey Pasta, a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Feel free to swap with your favorite pasta shape.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Can use red onion for a sharper flavor profile.
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Try ground chicken or beef for a different taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to dietary needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is best.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Can replace with dried oregano, basil, or thyme.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced elevates the taste.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour is an excellent substitute.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian-friendly option.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Swap with canned diced tomatoes for chunkiness.
  • 1/2 cup Half-and-half Heavy cream or non-dairy alternatives are great substitutes.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Provolone or dairy-free options work as well.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Any melty cheese can add a unique twist.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Basil can be used for a different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Optional for a spicy kick.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cook Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until just under al dente. Reserve about a cup of starchy pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Brown Turkey
  1. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
Build Sauce
  1. Sprinkle flour over the turkey mixture, stirring continuously for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce, mixing well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Fold the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, and stir in half-and-half, adjusting texture with reserved pasta water.
Add Cheese
  1. Reduce heat to low, stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Cover and cook until melted, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Serve
  1. Garnish with parsley and red chili flakes. Serve warm to enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

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