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Ground Turkey Pasta

A quick and creamy pasta dish made with ground turkey, cheese, and tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cooking Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Feel free to replace it with any pasta shape you love.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Canola or vegetable oil works just as well if you prefer.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Red onion can give a sharper twist if desired.
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Substitute with turkey or ground beef for variety.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances all flavors; adjust per your dietary requirements.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is recommended for maximum flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Swap with dried oregano, basil, and thyme if needed.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, Minced Garlic powder can also work in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be a great alternative.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is an excellent vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Canned diced tomatoes can achieve a chunkier texture.
  • ½ cup Half-and-half You can replace it with heavy cream or non-dairy milk.
Cheese and Garnish
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Feel free to substitute with provolone or dairy-free cheese.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Use any melty cheese you enjoy.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Sprinkling this adds a fresh note to the presentation.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Optional for a little kick; you can omit or substitute with fresh chili if desired.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water, add the penne pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Onions
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking the Turkey
  1. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Adding Garlic and Flour
  1. Once the turkey is cooked, add minced garlic and flour. Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Combining Sauce Ingredients
  1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Making it Creamy
  1. Stir in the half-and-half, allowing it to meld with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Mixing Pasta and Cheese
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat. Mix in the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Gordon Ramsay-inspired meal!

Notes

This recipe is swift and can use various substitutions to suit dietary needs. Storing leftovers: pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.