Description
This Juicy and Easy Turkey Pasta is a wholesome and delicious main course combining lean ground turkey with tender pasta in a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Italian-American recipe is quick to make, packed with protein, and easily customizable with vegetables or whole wheat pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the turkey and garlic: Add the minced garlic and ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking the turkey apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add seasonings and sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated in the rich turkey tomato sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta before serving to add a savory and fresh finish.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms into the sauce for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Use whole wheat pasta as a healthier alternative to increase fiber content.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
