Turkey Pasta

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Turkey Pasta recipe! Featuring tender ground turkey, a rich tomato-based sauce spiced with oregano, basil, and just a hint of crushed red pepper, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and wholesome goodness. The sauce clings beautifully to al dente pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes. Served with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and optional parsley for a fresh finish, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Packed with protein and bold flavors, it’s a delicious twist on classic pasta night that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 6

Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the turkey sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 9

Serve the turkey pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1907.7 grams (1907.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2159

Total Fat 99.80g	128%
Saturated Fat 36.70g	184%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 393mg	131%
Sodium 5533mg	241%
Total Carbohydrate 162.70g	59%
Dietary Fiber 22.80g	81%
Total Sugars 48.90g
Protein 161.50g	323%

Vitamin D 48IU	238%
Calcium 1628mg	125%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 3446mg	73%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.9%

Protein: 29.4%

Carbs: 29.6%