Creamy Rich Ground Turkey Pasta for Cozy Family Dinners
Enjoy a quick and comforting meal with Rich Ground Turkey Pasta that combines creamy sauce, al dente penne, and savory ground turkey.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta Cook al dente for best texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
For the Sauce
- 1 onion (finely diced)
- 1 lb ground turkey Opt for 93% lean.
- 2.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 tsp pepper
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth Low sodium preferred.
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1.25 cups half and half Add at low heat to avoid curdling.
For the Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella Melts beautifully.
- 1 cup cheddar
For Garnish
- 1 pinch paprika
- parsley For freshness.
- chili flakes Optional for heat.
Instructions
Directions
- Prep Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices and liquids.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 8-9 minutes until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Make Roux: Stir in the butter until it melts. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk together for 1-2 minutes until resembling a paste.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, bring to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Pasta: Stir in the cooked penne and half and half; mix well. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Add Cheese: Gently fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until melted. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.