Published 2/19/2024 • Updated 10/22/2024 Sometimes I’ll make a double batch of this because it stores in the fridge really well and the leftovers are 10/10. Trying to figure out what to make with ground turkey? This ground turkey recipe is so filling, savory, and crowd-pleasing. It has 42g protein/serving and was inspired by a meal my mom made us as kids at least once a week. It’s made with macaroni shells and the most delicious ground turkey red sauce that has a bit of cream added right at the end. It’s served with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. PS: if you love this recipe, try our Ground Chicken Bolognese, but swap the chicken for lean ground turkey! And, if you love ground beef recipes, try our famous beef chili!
What You Need for Ground Turkey Pasta
Noodles: It wouldn’t be ground turkey shells without the shells! But, you’re more than welcome to use your favorite noodle. Some favorite include spaghetti, rigatoni, pappardelle, and elbows. Onion and garlic: onion and garlic are our holy grail when making a red pasta sauce. Feel free to use more or less of each. Ground turkey: you’ll need 1-lb. of ground turkey for this recipe. We suggest buying your meat directly from the butcher, but if you can’t, any kind will work. Italian seasoning: we were feeling a little extra and used our homemade Italian seasoning for this recipe. It a mixture of all the right spices that will make this pasta taste delicious. Tomato products: since this is a red sauce, you’re going to need tomato sauce and tomato paste. Anchovy paste: hear us out. Anchovy paste adds such a wonderful flavor. If it’s not your jam or you can’t find it, feel free to omit it. Plus, if you read the comments, our readers are saying not to skip it! Heavy cream: a little bit of cream really brightens up the ground turkey pasta recipe! Parmesan cheese: it wouldn’t be pasta without the parm!
What % fat ground turkey should I use?
We used a 97% lean/3% fat ground turkey and it was perfect. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
More Variations for this Pasta
Use a different noodle: not feeling shells? Try spaghetti or rigatoni. Add pureed veggies: steam sweet potato and spinach and then blend it. Add it to the sauce for more veggies! Add roasted veggies: add roasted veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, and onion. Swap the meat: easily swap out the ground turkey for any other ground meat.
How long does pasta with ground turkey last in the fridge?
Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Italian Seasonong What is ground turkey made from? Ground turkey is made from leftover dark and light turkey meat, including the skin. Because it’s made with light and dark meat, it’s a pretty affordable meat product. Ground turkey calories: per 4-oz. serving ground turkey has 170 calories, 8g fat, 21g protein, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, and 0g fiber. To reheat: transfer pasta back into a skillet and add a little water or broth. Reheat over medium heat until hot. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to a simmer in a frying pan. You’ll likely need to add some water or broth to thin things out.
Don’t Know What to Make with Ground Turkey? Here are More Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas!
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