Savory Ground Turkey Pasta

$- 1 pound ground turkey - 12 ounces whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes - 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to this water. This step helps flavor the pasta. Once the water bubbles, add 12 ounces of whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of ground turkey. Cook the turkey for about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely. While cooking, season the turkey with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start. Next, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to soften but not lose their color. Then, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells great. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix it all well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. - Ensuring perfect al dente pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. Cook the pasta just until it’s firm to the bite. Check the package for cooking time. Remember, you want it al dente, not mushy. - Browning ground turkey effectively: Use medium heat to cook the turkey. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let it sit for a moment to get a nice brown color. This step adds great flavor to your dish. - Adjusting spice levels: You can tweak the heat by using more or less red pepper flakes. If you like it hot, add a bit more. If you prefer milder flavors, cut back on the spice. - Adding herbs for freshness: Fresh basil is a star in this dish. Chop it up and stir it in right before serving. It brightens the flavors and adds a lovely aroma. - Pairing with sides or salad: This pasta goes great with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread also works well. These sides balance the meal and add variety. - Presentation ideas with garnishes: To make your dish look special, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add fresh basil leaves for color. A colorful plate makes the meal more inviting. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthy and reduce excess fat while still enjoying great flavor. Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture. Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an aromatic enhancement that elevates the dish. Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for a quick and convenient meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change the ground turkey in the recipe. Try using ground chicken, beef, or even pork. Each meat brings a different flavor to the dish. If you prefer something leaner, turkey is a great choice. For those who need gluten-free options, swap the whole wheat pasta for brown rice or gluten-free pasta. Both will work well and keep the taste delicious. Adding different veggies can make this dish even better. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. They bring extra color and nutrition to your meal. You can also add canned beans or lentils for more protein. This makes the dish heartier and more filling. If you're looking to lower carbs, use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or squash instead of pasta. This makes a light and fresh dish. For vegan or vegetarian options, skip the turkey and use a plant-based ground meat. You can also add extra beans for protein. This way, you keep the dish tasty and nutritious. After cooking your ground turkey pasta, let it cool down. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and the dish safe to eat. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze your pasta, let it cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. For easy meal prep, you can cook a big batch of this pasta. Portion it into single servings. This makes it easy to grab for lunch or dinner. You can also prep the turkey and veggies in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just combine everything and heat it up. You can use ground chicken, ground beef, or ground pork. Each option gives a different taste and texture. Ground chicken is lean like turkey. Ground beef adds more flavor. Ground pork brings a bit of sweetness. If you want to keep it meat-free, try lentils or mushrooms. Both options add great texture and flavor. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. Keep the pasta and sauce in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just heat them together on the stove. Add a splash of pasta water to keep it moist. This saves time on busy days! To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you like it really hot, try adding fresh chili peppers. Just remember to start with a little, then taste it. You can always add more heat! This blog post covered a simple yet delicious recipe featuring ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, along with tips to enhance flavor and variations for different diets. Remember, making this dish your own is easy. Use your favorite ingredients and adjust seasonings to match your taste. Whether you meal prep or enjoy it fresh, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a healthy, tasty meal you’ve made yourself!$

Savory Ground Turkey Pasta

A delicious and healthy pasta dish featuring ground turkey and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
12 ounces whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
To the skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, and add oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir in the chopped spinach until wilted, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.

Keyword dinner, healthy, pasta, turkey