Easy Ground Turkey Pasta for Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Quick ground turkey pasta recipe for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Flavorful and satisfying, this dish comes together fast for busy evenings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Sautéed Savory Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground turkey
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
→ Simmered Tomato Harmony
06 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
08 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
09 -
2 tsp Italian seasoning
10 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
11 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Pasta & Fresh Accents
12 -
12 oz penne pasta
13 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
1 cup fresh spinach
15 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat. Stir in 1 yellow onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 red bell pepper, diced. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
02 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir in 2 tsp Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10 minutes to deepen the flavors for your Ground Turkey Pasta for an Easy Weeknight Dinner.
03 -
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This will be used to adjust the sauce consistency later.
04 -
Add the drained 12 oz penne pasta directly to the simmering sauce in the pot. Stir in 1 cup fresh spinach until it wilts into the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency, ensuring a perfect coating for your Ground Turkey Pasta for an Easy Weeknight Dinner.
05 -
Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is well combined throughout the pasta. Taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. The cheese adds a wonderful richness and creaminess to this hearty Ground Turkey Pasta for an Easy Weeknight Dinner.
06 -
Divide the Ground Turkey Pasta for an Easy Weeknight Dinner among four plates. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip reserving pasta water! The starch helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta, making it richer and more cohesive.
02 -
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, adding a splash of broth if needed.
03 -
Feel free to customize with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. For a vegetarian option, omit the turkey and add a can of drained cannellini beans or lentils.
04 -
Serve this pasta dish with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete your easy weeknight meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large pot
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
07 -
colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 659 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 84 g
Protein: 41 g