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Ground Turkey Pasta

Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta: A Quick Comfort Food Delight

This Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta combines lean turkey with a rich sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Can replace with any pasta shape
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust based on dietary needs
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with canola or vegetable oil
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Can substitute with red onion
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Can replace with ground chicken or beef
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is best
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Can swap with dried herbs
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use minced or garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be used
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Can use vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Canned diced tomatoes can be used
  • 1 cup Half-and-half Can substitute with heavy cream or non-dairy milk
For the Cheesy Finish
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Can substitute with provolone or dairy-free cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Use any melty cheese of your choice
For the Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley For garnish and added freshness
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Optional for a spicy kick

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. In the same skillet, add ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the turkey and stir well. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, bringing to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Gently fold the cooked penne into the skillet with the sauce, stirring in the half-and-half and reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
  6. Reduce heat to low and fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and let sit for 2 minutes.
  7. Plate the creamy Ground Turkey Pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and red chili flakes, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Pair this dish with a light salad or serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal.

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