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+ servings
Family-Friendly

Family-Friendly Pasta That's Bursting with Flavor

This family-friendly pasta with ground turkey combines hearty ingredients with a lightened twist, making it perfect for picky eaters.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or substitute with ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper freshly cracked
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
For the Topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
  2. Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of lean ground turkey. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 15 ounces of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of broth. Simmer with the lid on for 15-20 minutes.
  5. While the sauce simmers, boil salted water and cook 12 ounces of whole wheat penne pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  8. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden crust.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, avoid overcooking the penne and experiment with different cheeses for toppings.

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