This Ground Turkey Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dinner option that combines lean ground turkey with pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and a hit with the whole family. Whether you're looking for a comfort meal or a healthier pasta option, this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen.
12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 lb ground turkey
2 tsp salt (divided)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp 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)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions, but 1-2 minutes less. Reserve 1 cup of boiling pasta water before draining.
In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in half-and-half and cooked pasta. Add some reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Mix in mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted. Serve with a garnish of parsley and red chili flakes, if desired.
For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta and flour.
For a vegetarian alternative, replace ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein.
To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Add extra veggies like peas, spinach, or kale to boost nutrition.
Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/ground-turkey-pasta/