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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add seasonings and sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the turkey sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the turkey tomato sauce.
- 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