Ground Turkey Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Ground Turkey Pasta
Ground turkey pasta is a delightful dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the lean protein of ground turkey. This creamy, cheesy recipe is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, you’ll find that this meal is not only easy to prepare but also a hit with everyone at the table.
A Personal Story Behind My Ground Turkey Pasta Journey
Growing up, pasta was a staple in my household. My family often enjoyed various pasta dishes, but as we became more health-conscious, we started experimenting with ground turkey as a substitute for beef or pork. This ground turkey pasta recipe was born from those experiments, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s soft, creamy, and brings back fond memories of family gatherings.
What Makes This Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe Special?
What sets this ground turkey pasta apart is its creamy sauce, which is made with a blend of half-and-half and cheeses, creating a rich and satisfying dish without the heaviness of traditional recipes. The addition of Italian seasoning and garlic infuses the dish with incredible flavor, while the option to sprinkle in some red chili flakes gives it a delightful kick. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe; you can easily add your favorite vegetables to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.
The Full Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
- Red chili flakes, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add at least 1 tablespoon of salt). Cook the penne pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the boiling pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. Tip: Cooking the pasta al dente helps it hold its shape in the sauce.
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to avoid burning the onions.
- Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it into small bite-sized pieces. Cook until browned, then season with 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Tip: Make sure the turkey is fully cooked to avoid any foodborne illness.
- Sprinkle the cooked turkey with 2 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Tip: Stir continuously to avoid lumps from the flour.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, then pour in the half-and-half. Stir everything together until well combined. Tip: Adjust the consistency of the sauce based on your preference.
- For a thinner sauce, gradually add more chicken broth or reserved pasta water. For a creamier sauce, add more half-and-half.
- Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. Tip: Mixing in the cheese while the sauce is still hot helps it melt better.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let it sit until the cheese is melted, then remove from heat and enjoy! Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Ground Turkey Pasta
This ground turkey pasta is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it further by serving it with a side salad or garlic bread. For a colorful twist, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the mix. If you enjoy a little heat, don’t forget to sprinkle red chili flakes on top before serving. You can also substitute the cheese varieties based on your preferences; try using pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Pasta
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well in this recipe.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can make this dish healthier by using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables to the sauce.
Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, to garnish
- red chili flakes, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add at least 1 tablespoon of salt). Cook the penne pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the boiling pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it into small bite-sized pieces. Cook until browned, then season with 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle the cooked turkey with 2 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, then pour in the half-and-half. Stir everything together until well combined.
- For a thinner sauce, gradually add more chicken broth or reserved pasta water. For a creamier sauce, add more half-and-half.
- Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let it sit until the cheese is melted, then remove from heat and enjoy!