Ground Turkey Pasta
A comforting and satisfying meal combining spiral pasta, tender broccoli, and flavorful ground turkey, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 box 12–16 oz spiral pasta Choose your favorite spiral pasta.
- 8 oz broccoli florets Fresh or frozen broccoli work.
Meat and Seasoning
- 16–20 oz ground turkey Lean ground turkey is recommended.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided For cooking and drizzling.
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp minced garlic Fresh or jarred garlic can be used.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for spice level.
- ½ tsp salt Season to taste.
Finishing Touches
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil Fresh basil enhances flavor.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for best results.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the spiral pasta, cooking according to package directions until al dente.
- Two minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
Cooking Turkey
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and season with paprika, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about five to seven minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Combine the cooked turkey in the skillet with the drained pasta and broccoli.
- Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add the chopped fresh basil.
- Toss everything together gently until well mixed.
Serving
- Plate the pasta mixture, sprinkling with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
For best results, cook pasta al dente, and avoid overcooking the broccoli. Always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.