Ground turkey is a fantastic lean protein that’s incredibly versatile for weeknight dinners and family meals. If you’re wondering “What To Make With Ground Turkey?”, you’ve come to the right place! While ground turkey is often seen as a healthier alternative to ground beef, it’s also a blank canvas ready to absorb flavors and shine in countless dishes. Let’s explore one easy and satisfying recipe: ground turkey pasta.
Simple and Flavorful Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
This ground turkey pasta recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights.
First, we start by cooking the ground turkey.
In a skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Season it simply with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the ground turkey from the skillet and set aside. This pre-cooking step ensures the turkey is evenly cooked and ready to be incorporated into the sauce.
Next, we build the flavorful sauce base.
In the same skillet, sauté your favorite vegetables. Onions and garlic are classic choices and provide a wonderful aromatic foundation. Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor. Season the vegetables with Italian herbs, garlic powder, or your preferred spice blend. To create a creamy and rich texture, stir in a spoonful of all-purpose flour into the sautéed vegetables. This helps to thicken the sauce beautifully.
Now, it’s time to bring everything together to create the sauce.
Pour in your favorite tomato sauce and a bit of broth (chicken or vegetable broth works well) into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Return the cooked ground turkey to the sauce and stir to combine.
The final steps are all about adding the “good stuff” and finishing the pasta dish.
Stir in cooked pasta – shell pasta is a great choice as it catches the sauce nicely, but any pasta shape will work. For extra richness and creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory depth that complements the tomato sauce and ground turkey perfectly.
Your ground turkey pasta is almost ready!
Simmer the pasta and sauce together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat before serving.
This ground turkey pasta is just one example of what to make with ground turkey. The possibilities are truly endless!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Turkey Pasta
Can I make this ground turkey pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative. Lentil pasta or chickpea pasta are excellent choices and often add extra protein and fiber to your meal.
Can I use a different type of protein instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe. Ground chicken, ground beef, or even ground Italian sausage are all delicious substitutes. Keep in mind that ground beef and Italian sausage have a higher fat content, so you may need to drain off any excess grease after browning the meat.
What other vegetables can I include in this pasta dish?
Get creative with your veggies! Spinach, zucchini, carrots, or peas are all fantastic additions. For harder vegetables like zucchini or carrots, sauté them with the onions and garlic. For leafy greens like spinach or tender peas, stir them in towards the end of cooking until they are just heated through.
Beyond Pasta: More Ideas for What to Make with Ground Turkey
Ground turkey’s versatility extends far beyond pasta dishes. Consider these other delicious and easy ground turkey recipes:
- Ground Turkey Burgers: Seasoned patties grilled or pan-fried, perfect on buns with your favorite toppings.
- Ground Turkey Meatballs: Baked or simmered in marinara sauce, great with spaghetti or as appetizers.
- Ground Turkey Tacos or Bowls: Seasoned with taco spices, served in tortillas or over rice with your favorite taco fixings.
- Ground Turkey Chili: A hearty and warming chili, packed with beans, vegetables, and spices.
- Ground Turkey Meatloaf: A healthier take on classic meatloaf, often using breadcrumbs and vegetables to bind and add moisture.
Ground turkey is truly a kitchen staple. Whether you’re making a comforting pasta dish or exploring other cuisines, it’s a lean, flavorful, and adaptable protein to build your meals around. Enjoy experimenting with these “what to make with ground turkey” ideas and discover your new favorite recipes!
