Ground Turkey Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey Pasta is not only delicious, but it’s also quick and budget-friendly, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy evenings. The combination of lean turkey, creamy sauce, and melted cheese makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)

• 2 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 1 lb 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, for garnish

• Red chili flakes, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but 1-2 minutes less. Reserve 1 cup of boiling pasta water before draining.

2. In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.

4. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine.

5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

6. Stir in the half-and-half and cooked pasta. Add some reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

7. Mix in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted. Serve with a garnish of parsley and red chili flakes, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour alternative.

• Vegetarian: Replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein.

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce for extra heat.

• Veggie Boost: Add peas, spinach, kale, or mushrooms for more vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any small or medium pasta shape like bowtie, fusilli, or rigatoni.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef or even ground chicken would work well in this recipe.

Is it okay to use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

Yes, heavy cream will give a richer, creamier texture, but half-and-half works just fine.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, mushrooms, spinach, peas, or even zucchini would all be great additions.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, you can skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives if needed.

Can I use canned tomato soup instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, tomato soup can be used for a creamier texture, but you may want to adjust the seasoning.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Pasta is a quick, easy, and delicious dinner that the whole family will love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own spin, it’s sure to be a winner at the dinner table. Try it tonight for a comforting meal that’s full of flavor and satisfaction.