One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe

Even in our busy household, sitting down together for a delicious and wholesome family dinner is a priority. But let’s be honest, some weeknights, the thought of tackling a multi-step, dish-laden recipe feels more like a chore than a joy. That’s where this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta swoops in to save the day – and your sanity! I stumbled upon this recipe a few months ago during one of those frantic “what-to-cook-tonight” moments, and it has quickly become a family favorite. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, devour it without a single complaint (a minor miracle in itself!). The best part? Everything cooks together in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. The pasta absorbs all the delicious, savory sauce as it cooks, creating a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with lean protein and hidden veggies. Honestly, this recipe is a weeknight dinner superhero – quick, easy, healthy-ish, and incredibly tasty. If you’re looking for a fuss-free meal that the whole family will love, look no further. This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe thrives on simplicity, utilizing pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta magic happen:

• 1 pound Ground Turkey: Opt for lean or extra-lean ground turkey to keep the dish lighter. You can also substitute ground chicken or Italian sausage if preferred, but ground turkey is a healthy and versatile choice.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits. It’s used to sauté the vegetables and ground turkey, building a flavorful base for the sauce. You can also use avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil.
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped: Onion adds a foundational savory flavor to the dish. Yellow onions are a great all-purpose choice, but you can also use white or sweet onions.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for adding aromatic depth and pungent flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but in a pinch, you can use jarred minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon per clove).
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped: Bell peppers not only add vibrant color and a touch of sweetness but also contribute valuable nutrients like Vitamin C. Red bell peppers are slightly sweeter than green, but you can use any color you have on hand – orange or yellow bell peppers work equally well.
• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes form the base of the flavorful pasta sauce. Look for good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce adds richness and depth to the sauce. It helps to thicken the sauce and create a cohesive texture.
• 4 cups Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the cooking liquid for the pasta and contributes to the overall flavor of the dish. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, which are classic Italian flavors that complement the pasta and tomato sauce beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.
• 1 pound Pasta: Short-cut pasta shapes work best for one-pot pasta dishes. Penne, rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, or ziti are all excellent choices. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they can be more difficult to cook evenly in a one-pot method. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, cheesy finish to the dish. Part-skim mozzarella is a good option for a slightly lighter version. You can also use other cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish, optional): Fresh basil adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a beautiful pop of green color as a garnish. Other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also be used.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish. Diced zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, kale, or carrots would all be delicious additions. Add heartier vegetables like carrots and zucchini along with the onions and peppers. Add leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking, just until wilted.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. You can also use a spicier Italian sausage instead of ground turkey.
• Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Parmesan cheese grated over the top adds a salty, nutty flavor. Ricotta cheese dolloped on top after cooking adds a creamy richness.
• Herbs: Fresh oregano, parsley, or thyme can be used in addition to or in place of the dried Italian seasoning. Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking or as a garnish enhances the flavor.
• Broth: Beef broth can be used for a richer, deeper flavor. Vegetable broth makes this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Pasta: Whole wheat pasta can be used for added fiber. Gluten-free pasta is a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Ensure to adjust cooking time based on the type of pasta used. Gluten-free pasta may cook faster and require less liquid.

Instructions

This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a delicious and stress-free meal:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey and Sauté Vegetables

• Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a few seconds.
• Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease if necessary. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning the ground turkey is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground turkey. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent and the bell peppers are slightly tender. Sautéing the vegetables softens them and releases their natural sweetness, contributing to the overall flavor of the dish.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking the garlic until fragrant releases its aromatic oils and enhances its flavor.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth into the skillet with the ground turkey and vegetables.
• Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the pasta, and stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. It’s important to bring the mixture to a boil before adding the pasta to ensure proper cooking and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Submerging the pasta ensures it cooks evenly in the liquid.
• Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta used. Check the pasta for doneness by tasting it – it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente).

Step 3: Melt Cheese and Serve

• Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
• Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey. The residual heat from the pasta will melt the cheese beautifully.
• Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and easy One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta!

Troubleshooting and Tips During Cooking:

• Pasta Sticking: If the pasta starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet, add a little more chicken broth, about ¼ cup at a time, and stir well.
• Sauce Too Thick: If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin after the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
• Pasta Not Cooked Through: If the pasta is still not cooked through after 20 minutes, add a little more chicken broth and continue to simmer, covered, until the pasta is tender.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta sauce towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups

Servings Per Recipe: Approximately 6 servings

Estimated Nutrition Facts per Serving:

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 35-40 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
• Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
• Sodium: 600-800 mg (varies based on broth and tomato product sodium content)
• Carbohydrates: 55-65 grams
  • Fiber: 5-7 grams
  • Sugar: 10-15 grams
• Vitamin A: 20-30% DV
• Vitamin C: 40-50% DV
• Calcium: 15-20% DV
• Iron: 20-25% DV

Disclaimer: These nutrition facts are estimates and should be used as a general guideline only. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used. This recipe is a good source of protein and carbohydrates, and provides some fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can be part of a balanced diet. To further enhance the nutritional value, consider adding more vegetables and using whole wheat pasta.

Preparation Time

This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (cooking ground turkey, simmering pasta)
• Total Time: 40 minutes

From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 40 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for those evenings when time is short, but you still want a home-cooked dinner. The one-pot nature of the recipe also significantly reduces cleanup time, which is another huge bonus for busy cooks.

How to Serve

One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad to add freshness and extra vegetables to the meal. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the delicious pasta sauce. They add a comforting and satisfying element to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes that pair well with the pasta. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a different texture to the meal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who want to add an extra cheesy topping. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little spice, provide a small bowl of red pepper flakes for sprinkling on top.

Serving Variations:

• Pasta Bake: Transfer the cooked One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly browned. This creates a comforting and cheesy pasta bake.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta as a filling for bell peppers. Halve bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the cooked pasta mixture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
• Pasta Frittata: Leftover One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta can be used to make a delicious frittata. Whisk eggs with a little milk or cream, and pour over the leftover pasta in an oven-safe skillet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set.

Additional Tips for Perfect One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta

Here are five essential tips to ensure your One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta while it’s simmering. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark and cook until it’s al dente. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat after you remove it from the stove.
2. Adjust Liquid as Needed: The amount of liquid needed may vary slightly depending on your stove, the type of pasta, and the desired sauce consistency. If the pasta is absorbing the liquid too quickly and the sauce is becoming too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a little more chicken broth, ¼ cup at a time. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin at the end, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it.
3. Use Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is simple, using good quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor. Opt for good quality crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Freshly minced garlic and good quality Italian seasoning will also make a difference.
4. Don’t Forget to Season: Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in this dish. Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed. Taste again towards the end of cooking and adjust again if necessary.
5. Let it Rest Before Serving: After the cheese is melted, let the pasta rest, covered, for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together even more. This resting period also makes it easier to serve as the pasta is less likely to be too watery.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are five frequently asked questions about One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta:

Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat substitute or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant, to make it a heartier vegetarian meal.

Q2: Can I use different types of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use various short-cut pasta shapes for this recipe. Penne, rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, and ziti all work well. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, as they can be more difficult to cook evenly in a one-pot method. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta used, so always check for doneness.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time. The pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it up. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Q4: Can I freeze One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta?

A: Freezing cooked pasta dishes can sometimes affect the texture of the pasta, making it softer. However, One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta can be frozen if needed. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if needed to restore moisture.

Q5: How can I make this recipe healthier?

A: There are several ways to make this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta even healthier:

• Use Extra-Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for extra-lean ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
• Load Up on Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or carrots to increase the nutritional value and fiber content.
• Reduce Cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella cheese and use it sparingly, or reduce the amount of cheese altogether.
• Low-Sodium Broth and Tomatoes: Choose low-sodium chicken broth and no-salt-added canned tomatoes to reduce the sodium content.

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