Description

A quick, comforting, and easy one-pot pasta recipe featuring lean ground turkey, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat; sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally to break up clumps.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine, and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Add the uncooked pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
Step 6: After 12-15 minutes, check if pasta is tender but al dente; adjust sauce consistency with broth or by cooking uncovered.
Step 7: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 8: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Use enough broth to prevent sticking. Brown turkey in batches if needed. Stir frequently during pasta cooking. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better. For a creamier finish, add a splash of cream or cream cheese. Browned turkey and diced onions can be prepared a day in advance.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: one-pot pasta, ground turkey pasta, easy weeknight dinner, quick pasta recipe, healthy pasta, one-pot meal