Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta With Roasted Red Pepper Swirl

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? This Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl is exactly what you need! We’ve taken a classic pasta dish and elevated it with savory ground turkey, a creamy cheese sauce, and a stunning swirl of sweet roasted red pepper. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. The vibrant color and delicious taste will have everyone asking for seconds!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Lineup

• 250g (8oz) Penne or Fusilli Pasta: We recommend penne or fusilli because their ridges and shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite short pasta shape!
• 400g (14oz) Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey provides a healthy protein base for this dish. You can also use ground chicken or beef if preferred.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for its flavor and health benefits. It’s used to sauté the vegetables and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
• 1 Medium Onion (150g / 1 cup), Finely Diced: A foundational aromatic, the onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Dicing it finely ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the dish.
• 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced: Garlic is essential for adding a pungent and savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum impact.
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a wonderful smoky depth that complements the turkey and red pepper. Regular paprika can be substituted, but the smoked variety really elevates the flavor.
• 500ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth provides the liquid base for the sauce. Using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• 200ml (¾ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and luxurious sauce. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
• 150g (1 cup) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Halal-Certified: Mozzarella is a classic melting cheese that adds a gooey and delicious texture. Ensure it’s halal-certified if needed.
• 50g (½ cup) Grated Parmesan Cheese – Halal-Certified: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste. Again, check for halal certification if required.
• 120g (½ cup) Roasted Red Pepper Puree (about 1 large roasted red pepper, blended): This is the star of the show! The roasted red pepper puree adds a sweet and smoky flavor, as well as a beautiful color.
• 2 tbsp (30g) Toasted Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them brings out their natural oils and enhances their taste.
• 5g (1 tsp) Salt, Plus to Taste: Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 2g (½ tsp) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and complexity.
• A Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves, Torn: Fresh basil adds a bright and herbaceous finish. Tearing the leaves releases their aroma and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Ground Turkey: Substitute with ground chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage.
• Penne/Fusilli Pasta: Use any short pasta shape you like, such as rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni.
• Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but be aware the sauce will be less thick.
• Roasted Red Pepper Puree: If you don’t have pre-made puree, roast a red bell pepper yourself!

Let’s Get Cooking: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent. Translucent onions release their sweetness, forming the flavor base of the dish.
2. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This process, known as ‘blooming’ the spices, releases their essential oils, intensifying their flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. Ensure all pinkness is gone for food safety. Season generously with salt and pepper during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Simmer with Broth and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the penne or fusilli pasta, stirring to ensure all pieces are submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Puree: While the pasta is cooking, if you haven’t already, blend the roasted red pepper into a smooth puree. A high-speed blender works best for this. The puree should be completely smooth with no chunks.
6. Create the Cheesy Sauce: Once the pasta is al dente, lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the roasted red pepper puree. Gently swirl the puree with a spoon to create a visible ribbon effect – this is the signature ‘swirl’ of the dish. Avoid overmixing, as you want to maintain the distinct color contrast.
7. Melt and Thicken: Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mozzarella cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
8. Rest and Plate: Remove the pot from the heat and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the red pepper ribbons to remain distinct. To plate, twirl a serving of pasta in the center of a wide bowl or shallow plate. Drizzle the remaining roasted red pepper puree over the top in a loose spiral. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and torn fresh basil leaves.

Why Roasted Red Peppers Elevate This Pasta

The roasted red pepper puree isn’t just for color; it adds a subtle sweetness and smoky depth that complements the savory turkey and cheese beautifully. Roasting the peppers intensifies their natural sugars, creating a flavor profile that’s far more complex than using raw peppers. The puree also contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying. The slight acidity of the roasted pepper cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, balancing the flavors perfectly.

Halal Considerations and Ingredient Sourcing

We’ve specified halal-certified mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in this recipe to ensure it’s suitable for those following halal dietary guidelines. When purchasing these ingredients, always check the packaging to confirm halal certification. Sourcing high-quality ingredients, especially the ground turkey, is also important for the best flavor and texture. Look for ground turkey that is lean but still has some fat content for optimal juiciness.

Tips for the Perfect Swirl

Achieving that beautiful roasted red pepper swirl is easier than you think! The key is to be gentle. After adding the red pepper puree to the sauce, use the back of a spoon to create broad, sweeping motions. Avoid stirring vigorously, as this will blend the puree into the sauce and lose the visual effect. Adding the puree in a circular pattern around the edge of the pot before gently folding it in can also help create a more defined swirl.

Toasting Pine Nuts: A Flavor Booster

Toasting the pine nuts before sprinkling them over the pasta adds a wonderful nutty aroma and enhances their flavor. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can! Rotini, farfalle, or even penne rigate would work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

Can I make the roasted red pepper puree ahead of time?

Absolutely! The puree can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika, or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground turkey.

Enjoy Your Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta!

This Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of savory turkey, creamy cheese, and sweet roasted red pepper is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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