When it comes to quick, satisfying meals that the whole family can enjoy, Ground Turkey Pasta stands out as a solid choice. This dish combines tender pasta with lean ground turkey, perfectly seasoned to create a flavorful, comforting experience.
Why We Love This Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
There’s something special about a home-cooked meal that you simply can’t replicate with takeout. This Ground Turkey Pasta recipe brings together wholesome ingredients, making it not only a simple option but also a nourishing one. Ground turkey is a lean protein that keeps things light while still delivering that satisfying umami taste. The mix of garlic, fresh herbs, and rich tomato sauce elevates the dish, ensuring you enjoy every mouthful. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spices. Best of all, it can be whipped up in under an hour, a perfect choice for those busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
Ingredients about Ground Turkey Pasta
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz. medium dried pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, separated
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 3 tablespoons homemade Italian seasoning
- 15 oz. canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup starchy pasta water
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional for added umami)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta Directions
Making Ground Turkey Pasta is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal in your own kitchen:
Start by cooking the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the medium dried pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Before you drain the pasta, remember to take out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
After draining the pasta, rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside.
Now, heat a large skillet over medium to high heat and pour in the olive oil. Wait until the oil is fragrant before adding the minced onion into the skillet. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of salt over the onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
Next, add in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Once the onions and garlic are aromatic, introduce the ground turkey to the skillet. Sprinkle it with the Italian seasoning and cook until the turkey is nearly done, ensuring that a few bits of pink remain.
Pour in the canned tomato sauce and the prepared 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water. Stir in the tomato paste and optional anchovy paste. Bring all these ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer gently for 4-6 minutes to let those flavors meld together.
After simmering, taste your sauce. If you desire, you can adjust the salt according to your preference.
Stir in the heavy cream until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture in your sauce.
Finally, fold in the cooked pasta, allowing it to heat through in the flavorful sauce for a couple of minutes.
When you’re ready to serve, generously sprinkle the top with grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and taste.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Pasta
Serving Ground Turkey Pasta is easy and can transform a simple dish into something special. Start by plating a generous amount of the pasta on each plate. The creamy sauce should cling beautifully to the pasta shells, making for a delightful presentation.
Don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top; it will not only enhance the appearance but also boost the flavor. For a touch of freshness, you might add a few additional parsley leaves or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Pair your meal with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete dining experience. You’ll find that this dish satisfies and delights bring everyone back for seconds.
Expert Tips: Ground Turkey Pasta
To elevate your Ground Turkey Pasta, consider these expert tips:
Choose the right pasta: Medium dried pasta shells are an excellent choice for this recipe, but you can also experiment with other shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
Don’t skip the starchy water: The starchy pasta water is a secret ingredient that helps the sauce cling better to the pasta, making for a more cohesive dish.
Custom seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or switch up the Italian seasoning with your favorite herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for a personalized taste.
Keep it moist: If you notice the sauce becoming too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
Make ahead: This dish keeps well, making it easy to pop leftovers in the fridge or freeze for future meals.
How to Store Ground Turkey Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Ground Turkey Pasta is simple. Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the pasta. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags to keep the dish fresh for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat your pasta in the microwave, or for a stovetop option, warm it over low heat. Add a splash of cream or starchy water to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Variation of Ground Turkey Pasta
This Ground Turkey Pasta recipe opens the door for plenty of delicious variations to suit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to consider:
Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to provide extra nutrients and flavors to your meal.
Cheese Lovers: If you enjoy a cheesier experience, mix in mozzarella or cheddar for an indulgent creaminess.
Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little spiciness.
Herb Infusion: Swap out the parsley for fresh basil or a mix of herbs to tailor the dish to your personal preference.
Gluten-free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive individuals.
FAQ
What is Ground Turkey Pasta?
Ground Turkey Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines medium pasta shells with seasoned ground turkey, a creamy tomato sauce, and cheese. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a dinner option that seamlessly caters to both taste and health.
How long does it take to prepare Ground Turkey Pasta?
From start to finish, this Ground Turkey Pasta dish can be prepared in roughly 30 to 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Can I add vegetables to Ground Turkey Pasta?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms could enhance the flavor and nutrition profile of your meal.
How can I store leftovers of Ground Turkey Pasta?
Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat when ready to enjoy again!
Is Ground Turkey Pasta a healthy option?
With lean ground turkey, a rich tomato sauce, and pasta, this dish can indeed be a healthy option—especially when paired with vegetables. Adjust portion sizes and ingredients according to your dietary needs for the best results.
Ground Turkey Pasta
Equipment
- Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz. medium dried pasta shells
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion minced
- 1 tsp. salt separated
- 5 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 3 Tbsp. homemade Italian seasoning
- 15 oz. canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup starchy pasta water
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 tsp. anchovy paste optional for added umami
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water briefly to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced onion and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning with Italian seasoning. Cook until nearly done, with a few bits of pink remaining.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and reserved starchy pasta water. Stir in tomato paste and optional anchovy paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 4-6 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat and heat through.
- Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
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