Description
Ground Turkey Pasta is a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of flavor without being heavy. It combines lean ground turkey, hearty pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. The lean turkey provides a healthier alternative to traditional ground beef, while the tomatoes, garlic, and spices create a comforting, aromatic sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. This dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and can easily be customized to suit your tastes with added veggies, seasonings, or cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (optional, for a thicker sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water, for a lighter sauce)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the ground turkey: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Make the sauce: Once the turkey is browned, add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste (if using), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the turkey sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add vegetables: For extra nutrition, add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic.Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat or mix in diced jalapeños for an extra kick.Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Swap the regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the dish healthier or suitable for specific dietary preferences.Cheese lover’s version: Stir in some mozzarella or ricotta cheese with the pasta and sauce for a cheesy, creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Varies
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
