Description
A delicious and creamy cheesy ground turkey pasta that combines savory flavors with a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the turkey with the spices.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Then, add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg