Ground Turkey Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Cheddar-Mozzarella Recipe
Introduction
This ground turkey pasta recipe is a delicious and creamy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it combines tender turkey, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and melty cheese for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Red chili flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding at least 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the diced onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add ground turkey to the pan. Break it into small pieces and cook over medium to medium-high heat until no longer pink. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the turkey with flour and mix well. Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and half and half to the pan. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Step 6: Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water or additional chicken broth for a thinner sauce, or more half and half for a creamier texture.
- Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Step 8: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook until the cheese melts. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use ground chicken or beef as a substitute for ground turkey if preferred.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour if catering to gluten intolerance.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are good choices because they hold the sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the half and half with a dairy-free creamer and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this dish dairy-free.
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Ground Turkey Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Cheddar-Mozzarella Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe combines tender penne pasta with a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce and savory ground turkey, making a hearty and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners. The sauce is enriched with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for ultimate flavor and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (with at least 1 tablespoon of salt) to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep it al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the boiling pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pan and cook over medium to medium-high heat, breaking it into small bite-sized pieces. Once fully cooked, season with 2 teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, Italian seasoning, and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute to release the garlic aroma.
- Make the sauce base: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the turkey mixture and stir well to combine. Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and the entire 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken.
- Add pasta and cream: Stir in the cooked pasta and pour in 1 cup of half and half. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
- Adjust consistency: For a thinner sauce, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth until desired consistency is reached. For a richer, creamier sauce, add more half and half.
- Incorporate cheese: Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the sauce, mixing well.
- Melt the cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the lid, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and optional red chili flakes for a bit of heat. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy, savory ground turkey pasta!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust the sauce’s consistency without diluting flavor.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to substitute penne with your favorite pasta shapes.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red chili flakes topping or add some to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Keywords: ground turkey pasta, creamy turkey pasta, pasta with tomato sauce, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta recipe
