Sharon BrownThere’s something comforting about a bowl of pasta. It brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter echoing through the kitchen, and the undeniable smell of something delicious bubbling away on the stove.
Today, let me introduce you to an Easy Ground Turkey Pasta recipe that checks all the boxes: simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
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What Is An Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe?
At its core, this recipe combines ground turkey with pasta, vegetables, and a rich sauce, all coming together to create a perfect meal. Ground turkey serves as a lean and healthier alternative to traditional meats. While the pasta adds that familiar, comforting foundation. The ingredients meld beautifully, creating a dish that pleases the palate without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap ingredients based on what you have available or your family’s preferences.
Why You’ll Love this Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
There’s a reason this dish has quickly become a staple in my dinner rotation. It’s comforting, filling, and can easily be made in under 30 minutes. I adore this recipe for these reasons:
1. Quick Prep and Cook Time: You can prepare this meal in the time it takes to watch a couple of episodes of your favorite show.
2. Healthy Ingredients: Ground turkey is lean and full of nutrients, while the variety of veggies adds crunch and color.
3. One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time with family.
4. Kid-Friendly Flavor: Kids love pasta dressed in a delicious sauce, and they won’t even notice they’re eating turkey instead of beef.
5. Customize it!: You can easily add or substitute ingredients based on your family’s taste preferences.
The Ingredients
Before you dive into cooking, let’s gather everything you need. Here’s what you’ll need for this dish:
- 1 lb. ground turkey meat
- 12 oz. medium shell pasta (or any pasta variety you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large white onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 4 oz. white button mushrooms, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken stock
- 1 (15 oz.) can of tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that subtle smoky depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for an extra herbal aroma)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step by Step Instructions
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of cooking this delicious dish. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be savoring your Easy Ground Turkey Pasta in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add in the medium shell pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but keep about a cup of the pasta water aside. Trust me; you may need it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey. Using a wooden spoon, break the turkey apart as it cooks. This process takes about 5–7 minutes until the turkey is browned and almost cooked through. Allow those glorious aromas to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Once the turkey is cooked, toss in the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then add in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Stir everything around and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms begin to soften, creating a lovely medley of flavors.
Step 4: Season and Thicken
Next, sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, Italian herb blend, and smoked paprika over the mixture. Stir to distribute nicely. Now, dust the all-purpose flour over the meat and vegetables. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly to incorporate the flour.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Slowly pour in the beef or chicken stock while stirring. This will help prevent lumps from forming. After that, add the tomato puree and heavy whipping cream into the skillet, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Once the sauce begins to thicken – about 5 minutes – stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. This will bring a beautiful creaminess to our dish. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. If it looks a little thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take a moment to look at your creation. Beautiful, right? To finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Then serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
To make your cooking experience smoother, here are some handy tips:
- Use Lean Turkey: Lean ground turkey is less greasy and healthier. Look for 93% lean or higher.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. They elevate the dish’s flavor profile immensely.
- Pasta Cooking Time: Aim to undercook the pasta slightly. It will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your veggies and measure out the ingredients in advance. This way, you can make dinner even quicker!
- Add Fresh Veggies: For a nutritional boost, add spinach, zucchini, or broccoli at the same time you add the tomatoes.
Nutrition Information
I believe that understanding what you’re eating is vital. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving of this Easy Ground Turkey Pasta recipe:
(Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Can I Store Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! This dish tastes wonderfully. If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or stock to keep it from drying out.
What Can I Serve with an Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe?
While this pasta can stand alone, consider pairing it with some of these options for a complete meal:
- Garlic Bread: An all-time favorite to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances out the rich flavors of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans steam quickly and complement the dish well.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf from your local bakery will bring a rustic touch to the meal.
- Wine: A glass of white or light red wine can elevate your dinner experience!
Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s so adaptable! Here are some tasty variations to consider:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the turkey as it cooks for an added kick.
- Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ground turkey with lentils or a meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Goodness: Swap out the cream for ricotta cheese for a creamier, cheesier texture.
- Mediterranean Twist: Toss in some kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
- Herbaceous Delight: Replace the Italian herb blend with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch oven, wide stock pot, whisk, wooden spoon, measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey meat
- 12 oz. medium shell pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large white onion finely chopped
- 1/2 large red bell pepper finely chopped
- 4 oz. white button mushrooms
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken stock
- 1 15 oz. can of tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add in the medium shell pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but keep about a cup of the pasta water aside. Trust me; you may need it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey. Using a wooden spoon, break the turkey apart as it cooks. This process takes about 5–7 minutes until the turkey is browned and almost cooked through. Allow those glorious aromas to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
- Once the turkey is cooked, toss in the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then add in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Stir everything around and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms begin to soften, creating a lovely medley of flavors.
Step 4: Season and Thicken
- Next, sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, Italian herb blend, and smoked paprika over the mixture. Stir to distribute nicely. Now, dust the all-purpose flour over the meat and vegetables. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly to incorporate the flour.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
- Slowly pour in the beef or chicken stock while stirring. This will help prevent lumps from forming. After that, add the tomato puree and heavy whipping cream into the skillet, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
- Once the sauce begins to thicken – about 5 minutes – stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. This will bring a beautiful creaminess to our dish. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. If it looks a little thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Take a moment to look at your creation. Beautiful, right? To finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Lean Turkey: Lean ground turkey is less greasy and healthier. Look for 93% lean or higher.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. They elevate the dish’s flavor profile immensely.
- Pasta Cooking Time: Aim to undercook the pasta slightly. It will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your veggies and measure out the ingredients in advance. This way, you can make dinner even quicker!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen ground turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in cold water in a sealed bag.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be. Simply swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.
3. Can I make this recipe easy on my wallet?
Definitely! Ground turkey is often more affordable than ground beef, and using pantry staples and frozen veggies can help you save on costs.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, although the richness won’t be the same. Cream cheese can also be a suitable substitute.
5. Can I prepare this pasta in advance?
Yes! This pasta is great for meal prep. Just make sure to store it properly and reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out.
Conclusion
This Easy Ground Turkey Pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and deliciousness. As I stirred the pot, memories of family dinners, laughter, and joy filled my mind. This recipe gives you the flexibility to adapt to your tastes while remaining scrumptious and satisfying.
So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to create something special. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a feast with friends, this pasta will surely be the star of the show! Give it a shot and watch as smiles appear around the table with every hearty bite. Enjoy!
