Welcome a cozy, comforting meal into your kitchen with this incredibly easy ground turkey pasta recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly, offering a delicious solution for dinner. Enjoy a rich, cheesy, and creamy tomato sauce coating your favorite pasta, all made lighter with lean ground turkey. This simple recipe promises a family-friendly dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will adore this ground turkey pasta recipe for its incredible simplicity and satisfying flavors.
- Super Easy Preparation: Follow straightforward steps for a stress-free cooking experience.
- Quick Weeknight Solution: Have a delicious dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Cheesy and Creamy Texture: Indulge in a luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Flavorful, Satisfying Dish: Enjoy a hearty meal packed with savory ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Create a wholesome dinner using everyday pantry staples.
- Great for Using Leftover Veggies: Easily incorporate extra vegetables for added nutrition.
- Kid-Approved and Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this comforting pasta dish.
- High in Protein: Lean ground turkey makes this a wonderfully filling and nutritious meal. A nutritional comparison from the University of Illinois Extension highlights the benefits of choosing lean ground turkey. nutritional benefits of lean ground turkey
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create one of the best ground turkey pasta recipes you will ever make. This combination ensures a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (to garnish, optional)
- Red chili flakes (to garnish, optional)
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Penne works wonderfully, but feel free to use rotini, shells, or even spaghetti for this ground turkey pasta.
- Ground Meat: Substitute ground turkey with ground beef or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy: Use heavy cream instead of half and half for an even richer, more decadent sauce.
- Thickener: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work perfectly if you need a gluten-free option.
- Seasoning: Adjust the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Salt: Remember to reserve some pasta water. Its starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious ground turkey pasta recipe. These items make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large pan or Dutch oven (for the sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create a delightful ground turkey pasta. This guide ensures a perfect, creamy, and flavorful meal every time.
- Cook Pasta: First, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it according to package directions, but aim for 1-2 minutes less than al dente. This keeps your pasta from becoming mushy in the sauce. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Brown Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the pan with the softened onions. Break the turkey into small, bite-sized pieces with your spatula. Cook the turkey until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. For safe consumption, the USDA recommends cooking all ground poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). safe cooking temperature for ground poultry
- Season Meat: Drain any excess fat from the pan after browning the turkey. Season the cooked ground turkey generously with 1 teaspoon of salt, the black pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic’s aroma to develop.
- Build Sauce: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the seasoned ground turkey. Stir well, ensuring the flour coats the meat evenly. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the canned tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine & Finish: Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan with the simmering sauce. Pour in the half and half. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Consistency & Season: For a thinner sauce, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water or additional chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash more half-and-half. Season the entire dish with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and additional pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, generously top the pasta with the remaining half cup of each cheese.
- Melt Cheese & Serve: Reduce the heat to low and cover your pan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the cheese on top to melt beautifully. Remove from heat and serve this delicious ground turkey pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and red chili flakes, if desired. Enjoy your homemade ground turkey pasta recipe!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente or slightly under. It will finish cooking in the sauce, preventing a mushy texture in your ground turkey pasta.
- Brown Turkey Well: Ensure the ground turkey browns completely before adding seasonings. This step adds a deeper, more savory flavor to the entire dish.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Prevent Dairy Separation: Keep the heat low when adding half and half to the sauce. High heat can cause dairy to curdle, so stir gently.
- Extra Cheesy Topping: For a golden, bubbly cheese crust, place the uncovered pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after the cheese has melted. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Adding Vegetables: Sauté diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery with the onions for added nutrition. Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile ground turkey pasta recipe offers many ways to enjoy and customize it.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this hearty ground turkey pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to complete the meal.
Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftover ground turkey pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- When reheating on the stove or in the microwave, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
- Freeze cooled ground turkey pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating. Add liquid as needed to restore consistency.
Variations:
- Different Pasta Shapes: Explore other short pasta shapes like rotini, cavatappi, or medium shells.
- Other Ground Meats: Replace ground turkey with Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) or ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach, chopped kale, or sliced mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red chili flakes for a delicious kick.
- Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different cheeses like grated Parmesan, Fontina, or Colby Jack.
- Gluten-Free: Easily make this a gluten-free ground turkey pasta by using gluten-free pasta and a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition Information
Please note that these nutrition facts are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is provided for general guidance.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 30% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne is excellent, but other short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or even ziti are fantastic choices for this ground turkey pasta. They hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I substitute ground turkey with other meats?
Certainly! Ground beef or mild/hot Italian sausage are great substitutes and will add their own unique flavor to the dish.
How long does ground turkey pasta last in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It makes for a delicious meal prep option.
Can I freeze leftover ground turkey pasta?
Yes, you can! Freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. To thin it, stir in a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
What vegetables can I add to this pasta?
Peas, sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers are wonderful additions. Add them in with the onions or stir in at the end.
Conclusion
This hearty and easy ground turkey pasta recipe truly embodies simplicity and comfort, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. You will love how quickly it comes together, creating a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug. Don’t hesitate to customize this versatile recipe with your favorite ingredients. Give this delicious ground turkey pasta a try tonight and enjoy a delightful, homemade meal with your loved ones!