Description
This ground turkey pasta recipe is a wholesome, protein-packed twist on your favorite comfort food. Quick to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable—it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding the whole family with ease.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
12 oz whole grain pasta (penne or rotini)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.Brown the Turkey
Add ground turkey. Cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.Simmer the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.Boil the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.Combine & Finish
Mix cooked pasta into the turkey sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Finish with basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Notes
- Use chickpea or lentil pasta for extra fiber and protein.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a nutrition boost.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or white wine before adding the tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1.5 cups
- Calories: ~380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg