pasta with ground turkey recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta with ground turkey recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my go-to pasta with ground turkey recipe that’s been a staple in our household for years. This dish is a classic for a reason – it’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. I first tried this recipe when I was a college student living in a small apartment with my roommates.

We would often cook together on weeknights, and this dish was always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of ground turkey, tomato sauce, and pasta is pure magic, and it’s become a regular feature in our dinner rotation ever since. As I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, I’ve experimented with different variations to keep things interesting.

One of my favorite tweaks is adding some chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the ground turkey – it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. My family loves it when I serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is to any occasion.

Whether we’re having a busy weeknight or a special Sunday dinner, this pasta with ground turkey always hits the spot. It’s also incredibly versatile – we’ve served it at potlucks, family gatherings, and even as a quick weeknight meal after school sports practices. One of the best things about this recipe is its health benefits.

Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, and the tomatoes add lycopene, which has antioxidant properties that can help protect against certain diseases. Plus, using whole wheat pasta makes this dish a bit healthier than your average Italian-American fare.

Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Sauce

4.6 from 799 votes

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish made with lean ground turkey and a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Turkey Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
4While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and softened, about 4 minutes.
8Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
10Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
11Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
12Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the turkey sauce.
13Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
14Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat to meld the flavors.
15Serve the pasta immediately in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
16Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a leaner dish, use 93% lean ground turkey. You can substitute ground chicken or beef if preferred. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Sauce Works

This pasta with ground turkey recipe has become a staple in our household for good reason – it’s deliciously comforting, easy to make, and packed with nutrients from lean protein and fresh vegetables.

One trick I’ve learned over the years is that serving leftovers reheated in individual portions helps prevent food waste while still enjoying your favorite meals again and again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Q1: What’s the best type of pasta to use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni. These shapes hold up well to the chunky tomato sauce and won’t get lost in the dish.

Q2: Can I use other types of meat instead of ground turkey?

While you can substitute other meats like beef or pork into this recipe, I find that ground turkey provides the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Q3: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy pasta, be sure to cook it al dente before adding the tomato sauce. You can also try adding some grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking – it’ll help thicken the sauce without making it too heavy.

Q4: What’s the best way to store leftover pasta?

A great way to store leftover pasta is by letting it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it. Be sure to label your containers clearly so you know what’s inside.

Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe works well as an overnight prep meal – simply cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then reheat as needed when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: How do I add extra flavor to my tomato sauce?

You can easily elevate your tomato sauce by adding some chopped fresh basil or oregano towards the end of cooking. These herbs will infuse your sauce with bright, herby flavors that complement the rich taste of the ground turkey.

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