Ground Turkey Pasta
This quick and hearty ground turkey pasta dish combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all made in one skillet for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- 8 ounces pasta (any type) Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste Can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Fresh herbs can replace dried.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Use 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil instead.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Can substitute a diced jalapeño or hot sauce.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for serving Grated Parmesan cheese
- for garnish Fresh basil leaves Optional.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Sautéing Ingredients
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook until evenly browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper while it cooks.
- Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold some bite.
Making Sauce
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
- Remove from heat. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.