Ground Turkey Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe (Print Version)
Quick ground turkey pasta recipe for a simple weeknight dinner. Flavorful and satisfying, this dish comes together fast for busy evenings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Lean Protein & Aromatics
01 -
1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Hearty Sauce Base
05 -
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
07 -
1 tsp dried oregano
08 -
1 tsp dried basil
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 -
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
11 -
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
→ Pasta & Fresh Finish
12 -
12 oz penne pasta
13 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside. This is the foundation for your delicious Ground Turkey Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Add 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean) to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Break up the turkey with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep your Ground Turkey Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner lean.
04 -
Stir in 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
05 -
Add the cooked 12 oz penne pasta directly to the simmering sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta evenly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the flavorful sauce. This ensures every bite of your Ground Turkey Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner is perfect.
06 -
Remove the skillet from heat. Divide the Ground Turkey Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner among four plates. Garnish each serving with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for a fresh finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra veggies, add a handful of chopped spinach or bell peppers when simmering the sauce.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Feel free to swap penne for your favorite pasta shape like rotini or ziti. For a richer sauce, use a splash of red wine instead of some chicken broth.
04 -
Serve this pasta dish with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Wooden spoon
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 616 kcal
Total Fat: 17 g
Total Carbohydrate: 73 g
Protein: 39 g