Description
A quick and flavorful ground turkey pasta recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 10 to 12 ounces short pasta (penne, shells, or rotini)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 handful fresh spinach or chopped kale (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cream or half and half (optional)
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat and add a swirl of olive oil. Crumble in the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using greens, fold them in until wilted. Add cream if desired for a richer sauce.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet, tossing with reserved pasta water until glossy and saucy. Finish with Parmesan and basil on top.
Notes
Use a wide skillet for even browning of the turkey. Save pasta water for a saucier dish. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg