Description
This Juicy and Easy Turkey Pasta is a hearty, family-friendly dinner featuring lean ground turkey, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
Protein 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
Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Turkey and Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the lean ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked turkey. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the turkey tomato sauce. Toss thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta, mixing lightly. Serve immediately while hot for a juicy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Use whole wheat pasta to increase the dietary 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