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Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

creamy ground turkey pasta bake - featured image

A comforting and hearty pasta bake featuring creamy sauce, savory ground turkey, and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sautΓ© for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Let this simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until well combined. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.
  8. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and mix well until every piece is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, covering the pasta completely.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
  12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish before serving.

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated Parmesan for better texture and flavor.’, ‘Cook pasta until al dente to avoid it becoming mushy during baking.’, ‘Broil for a few minutes after baking for a crispy cheese crust.’, ‘Add finely chopped spinach or shredded zucchini for extra nutrition.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy, Ground Turkey, Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, Weeknight Meal