Quick Ground Turkey Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Make this quick and easy ground turkey pasta for a delicious weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a family-friendly favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Savory Core
01 -
1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7)
02 -
12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred short pasta)
→ The Flavor Builders
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
→ The Velvety Sauce
07 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
08 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
09 -
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
10 -
1 tsp dried oregano
11 -
1 tsp dried basil
12 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
13 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Finishing Touches & Seasoning
14 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred short pasta) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This ensures your Ground Turkey Pasta: Quick & Easy Recipe has perfect texture.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and 1 red bell pepper, diced. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
03 -
Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7). Break the turkey apart with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
04 -
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully for your Ground Turkey Pasta: Quick & Easy Recipe. Stir in the cooked penne pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
06 -
Serve the Ground Turkey Pasta: Quick & Easy Recipe hot. Garnish each serving with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly!
# Notes:
01 -
Substitution Tip: Feel free to swap the red bell pepper for green or yellow, or add other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini or spinach during step 2.
02 -
Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine (about 1/4 cup) with the chicken broth in step 4 and let it reduce slightly before adding the crushed tomatoes.
04 -
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your personal preference; omit entirely for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Colander
07 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 600 kcal
Total Fat: 15 g
Total Carbohydrate: 75 g
Protein: 38 g