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Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe with Tomatoes and Basil for Quick Dinners

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A quick and fuss-free one-pot pasta dish featuring lean ground turkey, canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 8 oz (225g) dry pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 14.5 oz (410g) canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the fresh basil. Measure out the broth and keep canned tomatoes nearby (5-7 minutes prep).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Let excess liquid cook off if needed.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning the garlic.
  5. Add dry pasta, canned tomatoes with juice, and broth. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
  6. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover with lid slightly ajar and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Check pasta for doneness at 12 minutes; it should be al dente. Cook 1-2 minutes longer if needed, adding a splash of broth or water if too thick.
  8. Turn off heat and stir in fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use a wide pan to avoid overcrowding for even pasta cooking. Stir occasionally but gently to prevent sticking. Add basil off heat to preserve freshness. For a richer sauce, stir in cream cheese or shredded mozzarella at the end. If sauce is thin, reduce with lid off or add Parmesan to thicken. Fresh basil can be stored in water like a bouquet to keep it vibrant longer. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end enhances tomato flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, ground turkey pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, tomatoes and basil pasta, weeknight meal, healthy pasta

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/easy-one-pot-ground-turkey-pasta-recipe-with-tomatoes-and-basil-for-quick-dinners/