Description
Discover quick, healthy, and delicious ground turkey pasta recipes perfect for busy weeknights. These easy ground turkey meals are a nutritious alternative to traditional beef-based pasta dishes, packed with protein and flavor. Explore classic tomato sauce, creamy spinach, and spicy arrabbiata variations for satisfying turkey pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground turkey. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add dried basil and oregano. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet with the ground turkey tomato sauce.
- Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Use a bay leaf while simmering the sauce and remove before serving for added flavor.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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