Description
Creamy Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta delivers pure comfort in one skillet, blending hearty proteins with rich, melted cheese. Weeknight dinner perfection comes together quickly, satisfying hungry families with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 12 oz (340 grams) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your favorite type)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at 212°F. Cook pasta until tender yet firm, about 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble ground turkey into the pan, breaking into small fragments. Sear meat until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Season turkey with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper during cooking. Once browned, transfer meat to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, roughly 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Pour marinara sauce and broth into the skillet, creating a rich liquid base. Incorporate heavy cream and red pepper flakes, allowing mixture to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Reintroduce cooked turkey into the sauce, letting ingredients meld together over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated. Add Parmesan cheese for enhanced depth of flavor.
- Combine pasta with sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated. If sauce appears too thick, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped herbs. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese for optional topping.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground turkey to reduce overall fat content while maintaining a protein-rich meal.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, healthier alternative without compromising creamy texture.
- Create a gluten-free version by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg