Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
607 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta
Description
This recipe begins by browning ground turkey with diced onions and minced garlic, draining off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. The mixture is then simmered with chicken broth, whole milk, dry mustard powder, paprika, and black pepper, adding depth to the sauce. Uncooked pasta shells are added directly to the simmering liquid, allowing them to absorb flavor while cooking to tenderness.
A slurry of cornstarch and cold water is whisked in to thicken the sauce just before removing the pan from heat. Sharp cheddar and shredded Parmesan cheeses are then gently folded in, melting into a creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta and turkey. This results in a comforting dish with a smooth, cheesy texture and mild spice.
The recipe suggests using sturdy pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini to hold the meat and sauce well, and advises adding cheese off the heat to prevent separation. Freshly grated cheese is recommended for the best melt and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth not low sodium
- 1 cup milk whole
- ¾ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey, onion, and garlic in a pan until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
- Stir in broth, milk, dry mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 9-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk into the simmering sauce. Simmer 1 minute more.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
Notes
- Use hearty pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni, penne, bowtie, or rotini to support the meat and vegetables.
- Check pasta tenderness by tasting; add cooking time and a bit more liquid if needed.
- Thicken the sauce further with additional cornstarch slurry if the sauce is too thin.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting; avoid pre-grated bagged cheese that can be gritty.
- Add cheese after removing pan from heat to prevent overheating and grainy texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 607 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 607 | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | 19% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 115mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 823mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 730mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 694IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 437mg | 44% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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