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Ground Turkey Pasta

Delicious Ground Turkey Pasta for Quick Family Dinners

Enjoy a creamy and customizable Ground Turkey Pasta dish that your family will love, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Penne Pasta Holds the sauce beautifully; feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Ideal for sautéing; can be replaced with canola or vegetable oil.
  • 1 large Yellow Onion Adds sweetness; red onion can be used for sharper flavor.
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey A lean protein choice.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors; adjust as needed.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is best.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Infuses the sauce with herby notes.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Acts as a thickener; gluten-free flour is an alternative.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Adds richness; vegetable broth can be used.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Provides a tangy base.
  • 1/2 cup Half-and-half Creates a creamy texture.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese Delivers sharp flavor.
For the Toppings
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped; brightens the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Optional; can be omitted.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions for 8–10 minutes until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the turkey and mix well. Gradually add chicken broth and tomato sauce while stirring continuously. Allow to simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta and stir in half-and-half, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  6. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and heat on low until fully melted.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and red chili flakes, then serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, season generously and adjust the consistency of the sauce with reserved pasta water.

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