Description
This ground turkey pasta recipe is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef-based pasta dishes. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or family gathering. Learn how to make this versatile dish with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rotini work well)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Optional: vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground turkey. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. If you’re using other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, add them now as well.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, then add it to the skillet with the ground turkey sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Choose ground turkey that is 93% lean for the best balance of flavor and health.
- Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Overcooked ground turkey can become dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just browned and no longer pink.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or a bay leaf to the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley, added at the end, can elevate the dish.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground turkey pasta, turkey pasta recipe, healthy pasta, easy ground turkey meals, pasta with ground turkey, healthy turkey pasta