Dinner just got a whole lot easier with this Ground Turkey Pasta! Juicy, flavorful turkey meets a hearty tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and family-approved. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Healthy and Satisfying: Made with lean ground turkey and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a feel-good meal everyone will enjoy.
- Quick and Easy: A delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The hearty flavors and comforting pasta make it a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
🥘 Ingredients
- Crushed Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Serve as the flavorful base of the sauce, adding richness and tang to the dish.
- Ground Turkey: Provides lean protein, making the pasta hearty and satisfying.
- Spinach: Adds a nutritious boost and vibrant color, complementing the flavors with its mild taste.
- Chopped Onion: Contributes sweetness and aromatic depth, enhancing the sauce's complexity.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth, elevating the savory notes.
- Parmesan: Adds richness and a creamy texture, finishing the pasta with a savory touch.
- Penne Pasta: Offers structure and a perfect base, readily absorbing the sauce and flavors.
- Oregano: Introduces a warm, earthy flavor, adding a classic Italian touch to the dish.
- Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a mild heat.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Turkey Bolognese keeps it light but rich with garlic, onions, and slow-simmered tomatoes.
- Spice things up with a fiery turkey arrabbiata—red pepper flakes bring the heat!
- Creamy turkey Alfredo swaps red sauce for a velvety, cheesy upgrade with spinach or mushrooms.
🔪How To Make Ground Turkey Pasta
- Step 1: Add onion and garlic to the pan. You can cook using olive oil or add water. Add turkey and spices. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Step 3: Add sauce, turkey, and spinach to the pasta.
- Step 4: Mix. If desired, simmer for up to 5 minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Cook Evenness: Use a non-stick skillet to ensure the turkey cooks evenly and doesn't stick.
- Pasta Cooking Precision: Cook the penne until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce and turkey. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
- Plating Techniques: Use tongs to twirl pasta into nests on plates for an elegant presentation.
💭 FAQs
Can I Use Canned Pasta Sauce?
Yes, but enhance it with sautéed onion, garlic, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil for a homemade taste.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and turkey mixture ahead. Combine them just before reheating to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables To This Dish?
Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions to boost nutrition and flavor.
🧂Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with ground turkey pasta:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is a classic choice that adds a satisfying crunch to your pasta dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring a pop of color and a healthy balance to the meal.
- Caprese Salad: Featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze, this salad complements the pasta’s flavors beautifully.
- Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus seasoned with lemon and olive oil offers a simple and elegant side dish.
- Mango Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan for a peppery and tangy accompaniment.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Ground Turkey Pasta
Quick, hearty Ground Turkey Pasta packed with flavor! A family-friendly dinner ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Tomato Sauce Or Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Ground Turkey
- 1 Cup Spinach
- ½ Cup Chopped Onion
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 3 tbsp. Parmesan
- 1 ½ Cup Penne Pasta
- 1 tsp. Oregano
- ¼ tsp. Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp. Salt
Instructions
- Add onion and garlic to the pan. You can cook using olive oil or adding water. Add turkey and spices. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Add sauce, turkey, and spinach to the pasta.
- Mix. If desired, simmer for up to 5 minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Cook Evenness: Use a non-stick skillet to ensure the turkey cooks evenly and doesn't stick.
Pasta Cooking Precision: Cook the penne until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce and turkey. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
Plating Techniques: Use tongs to twirl pasta into nests on plates for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 392kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 32gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 835mgPotassium: 732mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1456IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 248mgIron: 3mg
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I love this recipe because it turns lean ground turkey, rich tomato sauce, and tender penne into a healthy, comforting meal. It’s my go-to for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners the whole family enjoys.