Ground Turkey Pasta
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
569 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Ground Turkey Pasta
Description
This Ground Turkey Pasta combines cooked medium shells with a sauce simmered from ground turkey, tomato sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Sautéed garlic, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions add subtle sweetness and earthiness, balanced by Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for richness. The flour in the sauce helps thicken it to a creamy consistency that coats the pasta thoroughly. The method involves cooking the turkey and vegetables separately, then combining all ingredients so the flavors meld smoothly.
The finished pasta can be served as a stovetop dish or baked with extra cheese to create a bubbly, hot casserole. This flexibility allows adjusting sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more tomato sauce or cream if needed. The varying textures from tender pasta, finely diced vegetables, and ground meat keep the dish interesting and filling.
Optional additional seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or fennel seed can be incorporated to tailor the flavor. Pasta shapes such as rotini, penne, or cheese tortellini work well as alternatives to shells.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. medium shell pasta or pasta of choice
- 1 lb. (16 oz.) ground turkey
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 large red bell pepper diced small
- 4 oz. white mushrooms thinly sliced or diced small
- 1/2 large onion white, diced
- 1 tsp. salt taste and add more as desired
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1, (15oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- basil fresh, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Boil the water for the pasta and follow directions on the shell pasta box. Typically 8-10 minutes to cook medium shells.
- In a Dutch oven or wide stock pot, heat 2 Tbsp. of the olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground turkey. Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain excess fat/liquid in the pan and place the ground turkey in a bowl and set aside.
- Then, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until fragrant (about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally). Then, whisk in the flour until combined.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce and let it come to a simmer. Then add in the cooked ground turkey.
- Pour in the cooked shells or pasta of choice, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper or other seasonings as desired. It may seem soupy initially; just simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens. If you would like it creamier, add more heavy cream. Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese and enjoy! The pasta will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Add optional herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor if desired.
- For a baked version, place the cooked dish in an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Substitute different pasta types such as rotini, penne, or tortellini to change the texture.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more heavy cream or tomato sauce when increasing pasta quantity.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 569 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 569kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 92mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 487mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 571mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1112IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 166mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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