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Gordon Ramsay's ground turkey pasta served in a cozy dining setting

Ground Turkey Pasta

This comforting pasta dish features lean ground turkey in a silky tomato-cream sauce with melted cheese, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cooking Essentials
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Substitute with any preferred pasta shape.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Red onion can be used for a sharper taste.
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or beef.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to dietary needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with dried oregano, basil, or thyme.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder may work in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour is an alternative.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Swap for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Canned diced tomatoes can be used for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup Half-and-Half Can be replaced with heavy cream or non-dairy milk.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese May substitute with provolone or dairy-free cheese.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Any melty cheese can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish.
  • ½ teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Optional for heat; can be omitted.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Dice the yellow onion finely and mince the garlic.
  2. Shred the mozzarella and cheddar if needed.
  3. Measure out the flour, spices, broth, tomato sauce, and half-and-half.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes).
  2. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Turkey
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent and beginning to brown.
  3. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
Build the Sauce
  1. Add minced garlic to the turkey and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat; cook for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth base.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce slightly for 3–5 minutes.
Make it Creamy
  1. Reduce heat to low and stir in half-and-half, warming through until the sauce is smooth.
  2. If the sauce seems too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combine Pasta and Cheese
  1. Add cooked penne directly to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  2. Mix in mozzarella and cheddar, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
  3. Add red chili flakes if desired.
Finish and Serve
  1. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  2. Stir in half of the chopped parsley and reserve the rest for garnish.
  3. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2–4 minutes until golden.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3–4 days. To freeze successfully, freeze sauce and turkey separately from pasta.