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Juicy and Easy Turkey Pasta Recipe


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4.4 from 60 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: High Protein

Description

This Juicy and Easy Turkey Pasta recipe features lean ground turkey cooked to perfection with sautéed onions and garlic, simmered in a rich marinara sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika. Tossed with tender penne or rotini pasta and finished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s a hearty, flavorful, and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta

Turkey Sauce

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Cook the turkey and garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add seasonings and sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the turkey sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the turkey tomato sauce.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley evenly on top before serving for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for additional vegetables and nutrients.
  • Use whole wheat pasta for increased fiber content and a healthier twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American