Looking for a quick and nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor? This ground turkey skillet recipe is your answer. It’s a simple yet delicious option for busy weeknights, packed with hearty ingredients and a variety of colorful veggies.
With minimal prep and cook time, you can have this wholesome dish on the table in no time. Perfect for those who crave a satisfying meal without the fuss!
Steps
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook medium shell pasta according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground turkey, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and set the turkey aside in a bowl.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Sauté minced garlic, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for about 5 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle flour into the sautéed vegetables and mix well, then pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and then add the cooked ground turkey.
- Add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Mix everything together and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Continue simmering until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. For a creamier texture, you can add more heavy cream. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. medium shell pasta (or other pasta of choice)
- 1 lb. (16 oz.) ground turkey
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced small
- 4 oz. white mushrooms, thinly sliced or diced small
- 1/2 large white onion, diced
- 1 tsp. salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3414kcal | Carbohydrates: 306g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 162g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 60g | Trans Fat: 0.06g | Cholesterol: 552mg | Sodium: 2922mg | Potassium: 3426mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 6672IU | Vitamin C: 114mg | Calcium: 996mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute shell pasta with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even cheese tortellini. Feel free to experiment with different pasta types to suit your preference.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace the ground turkey with a plant-based protein such as lentils or a meat substitute like soy crumbles. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance the flavor.
- What if I want to make this dish spicier?
- To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce. Adjust the amount to match your desired level of spiciness.
- Can I prepare this pasta as a baked dish?
- Absolutely! After cooking the recipe as directed, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish, top with extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- How can I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
- What are some optional seasonings I can add to enhance the flavor?
- You can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seed, dried oregano, or even a pinch of cayenne to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seed, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne.
- If you prefer a different pasta shape, feel free to substitute shell pasta with rotini, penne, or even cheese tortellini. Adding spinach can also provide a delightful twist.
- For a creamier texture, increase the amount of heavy cream or tomato sauce, especially if you’re using a larger quantity of pasta.
- Transform this dish into a pasta bake by placing the prepared recipe in an oven-safe dish, topping with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, and baking at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or wide stock pot
- Whisk
