Description
A bold, comforting pasta dish using ground turkey, packed with spices and cream for a rich yet weeknight-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
3 cups cooked penne or rigatoni (gluten-free optional)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat level)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
1/2 cup cream (or dairy-free cream of choice)
1/4 cup grated parmesan or vegan parmesan
Olive oil for sautéing
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and paprika; cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up while browning. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix in tomato paste and stir to coat the turkey.
6. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in cream and parmesan; reduce heat and simmer 5 more minutes.
8. Fold in cooked pasta and toss to coat.
9. Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
Swap cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce if needed.
Freeze leftovers in single portions for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ground turkey pasta, spicy creamy pasta, quick dinner