Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

$- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey - 8 oz (225g) whole wheat or regular pasta (like penne or fusilli) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil These ingredients come together to make a creamy and delicious dish. You get protein from the turkey and cheese, plus carbs from the pasta. The marinara sauce adds a rich flavor and keeps things moist. - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh spinach or kale for greens - Bell peppers, diced for sweetness - Mushrooms, sliced for added depth Adding any of these can change the dish's taste. Red pepper flakes add a kick, while spinach boosts nutrition. These options let you customize the pasta to your liking. - Fresh basil leaves for color and flavor - Grated Parmesan cheese for a salty touch - Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch Toppings make your dish look and taste better. Fresh basil adds brightness, while Parmesan enhances the cheesy flavor. Toasted breadcrumbs give a nice texture contrast, making each bite exciting. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to cook the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water. Make sure it’s really hot! Add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I like penne or fusilli. Cook until it’s al dente, which means it should still be firm. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Now, let’s move on to the turkey. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until you smell that yummy garlic aroma. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Cook it for 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors mix well. Now it’s time for the best part: the cheese! In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese with 1 cup of cottage cheese. This combo adds great creaminess. Pour this cheese mixture over the turkey and pasta in the skillet. Fold it in gently until the cheese melts and is evenly mixed. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the cheese firm up a bit. Now, your Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta is ready to serve! To cook pasta well, use a large pot. Fill it with salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir the pasta often to keep it from sticking. Cook until al dente, which means it should still be firm. Test a piece a minute before the package time is up. Drain the pasta but save a bit of the water. This starchy water helps blend flavors later. Ground turkey can be bland if not seasoned well. Start by using fresh onion and garlic. Sauté these until soft and fragrant. Add dried Italian herbs for a burst of flavor. You can also include a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for depth. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Let the turkey brown well to develop a rich taste. For extra creaminess, mix mozzarella and cottage cheese. This mix adds flavor and texture. When you pour it over the pasta, keep the heat low. Stir gently so the cheese melts evenly. Let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat. This resting time helps the cheese firm up just right. If you want it even creamier, try adding a splash of heavy cream before serving. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthy without sacrificing flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique taste. Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; consider adding fresh basil or parsley just before serving. Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate; it reheats well for quick weeknight dinners. {{image_2}} You can easily make Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta healthier by adding vegetables. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies add color, flavor, and nutrients. - Add 1 cup of chopped spinach right before serving. - Sauté bell peppers with the onion for extra crunch. - Mix in diced zucchini while cooking the turkey. These options not only boost nutrition but also make your dish more colorful and fun. If you need gluten-free pasta, don’t worry! There are many great choices. Look for pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. These options work well and taste great. - Use 8 oz of gluten-free pasta, like brown rice penne. - Cook it just like regular pasta, following package directions. This way, everyone can enjoy Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta without gluten. Feel free to mix up the cheeses and sauces in this dish. Different flavors can change the whole meal. - Use sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella for a bolder taste. - Try ricotta cheese for a creamier texture. - Experiment with different sauces like Alfredo or pesto. These changes allow you to create a new dish each time. Let your creativity shine! To store your leftover cheesy ground turkey pasta, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place the pasta in the container and seal it tightly. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing flavor. When reheating, you want the pasta to stay creamy. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the cheese from getting tough. If you want to freeze your cheesy ground turkey pasta, first let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label them with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes meal prep easy and tasty! Yes, you can use different types of ground meat. Ground chicken, beef, or pork all work well. Each meat adds its own flavor. Ground beef will be richer, while chicken will be lighter. Just cook the meat until it’s fully browned. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you choose. To make this dish lighter, consider using less cheese. You can cut the mozzarella and cottage cheese by half. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini is another great option. These changes keep the dish tasty while lowering calories. You can serve this pasta with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread pairs nicely too. For a fresh touch, add steamed broccoli or green beans. These sides balance the meal and add more nutrients. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand. Cheesy ground turkey pasta is simple and tasty. I shared the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it great. You can customize it with veggies or sauces to fit your taste. Proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh. Remember, you can swap ground turkey for other meats too. I hope you find joy in making and sharing this dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A delicious and hearty pasta dish made with ground turkey, cheese, and marinara sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
for garnish fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground turkey to the skillet, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 6-8 minutes).
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked pasta until all ingredients are well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese together.
Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and turkey, folding gently until the cheese is evenly distributed and slightly melted.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to firm up a bit.

Notes

Serve warm in individual bowls, topped with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. For a crunchy element, consider sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.

Keyword cheesy, dinner, pasta, turkey