Delicious Ground Turkey Pasta
A flavorful and comforting pasta dish with ground turkey, enriched with a savory sauce and topped with fresh basil.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey (lean)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Bell Pepper, diced (any color)
- 14 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes (low sodium recommended)
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens.
Browning the Turkey
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through (around 6-8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Simmering the Sauce
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Combining
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the turkey mixture. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved. Mix well to ensure everything is coated in sauce.
Garnishing and Serving
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot, enjoying the delightful and comforting flavors.
Notes
If ground turkey isn't your favorite, feel free to swap it with ground chicken or beef. Make sure not to overcook the pasta, and taste as you go for seasoning preferences. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.