Classic Ground Turkey Pasta Dinner
This classic ground turkey pasta dinner is a hearty and flavorful meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with lean protein and savory seasonings, offering a satisfying and comforting dish for the whole family.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta
For Serving
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Reserved pasta water about ½ cup
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven and cook ground turkey until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon, then drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet with the turkey and sauté until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and turkey, tossing to coat; add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. You can also add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra vegetables and flavor.