Turkey Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Turkey Pasta recipe! Featuring tender ground turkey, a rich tomato-based sauce spiced with oregano, basil, and just a hint of crushed red pepper, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and wholesome goodness. The sauce clings beautifully to al dente pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes. Served with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and optional parsley for a fresh finish, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Packed with protein and bold flavors, it’s a delicious twist on classic pasta night that’s sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the turkey sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the turkey pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2159 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.8 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.7 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 393 mg | 131% | |
| Sodium | 5533 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 162.7 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.8 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.9 g | ||
| Protein | 161.5 g | 323% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1628 mg | 125% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 3446 mg | 73% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
