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A bowl of fast ground turkey pasta garnished with fresh herbs

Speedy Ground Turkey Penne with Rich Tomato Sauce

This fast and flavorful ground turkey penne is coated in a rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's a satisfying dish that comes together in under an hour.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/1)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 ounce) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the diced onion until softened.
  3. Add ground turkey to the skillet, break it up, and cook until no longer pink; drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for one minute until fragrant.
  5. Mix in tomato paste and cook, then add diced tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to combine and using reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, then serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick. Ensure you don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce. This recipe is also great for meal prep; simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.