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- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 1 pound ground turkey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sautéing - Wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring spoons for precise amounts - Knife and cutting board for chopping When you pick your ingredients, look for fresh produce. Choose firm bell peppers and bright spinach. For tomatoes, go for cans labeled "crushed" for a smooth sauce. Ground turkey should feel firm and not sticky. When it comes to pasta, select brands that say "durum wheat" for the best texture. Fresh Parmesan cheese will add the best flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta, like penne or fusilli. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta but save about 1 cup of the water. Set the pasta aside. Now, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add a finely chopped onion and a diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they soften. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until you smell that lovely aroma. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Look for a nice brown color. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. This seasoning will boost the flavor. Stir in a 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Mix it all well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water slowly until you reach the right consistency. This helps blend all the flavors together. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it all together until every piece of pasta is coated with the sauce. Then stir in ½ cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese throughout the pasta for extra flavor. Toss everything to combine. You can serve it hot, with more Parmesan on top. If you like heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy your meal! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil and oregano can make a big difference. You can also add a splash of white wine when cooking the turkey. This adds depth. For more heat, stir in red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick. Finally, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the whole dish. One mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. Another error is not seasoning well. Always taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper. Avoid adding too much liquid when making the sauce. If it's too watery, the pasta won't absorb the flavors. Lastly, don't skip the cheese. It adds richness and creaminess. Use a large pot with plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Stir the pasta a few times while cooking. This prevents it from sticking together. Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help thicken your sauce. Once the pasta is done, drain it but do not rinse. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce cling to the pasta. Pro Tips Cooking Pasta Perfectly: Always salt your pasta water generously. This enhances the flavor of the pasta and is your chance to season it before mixing with the sauce. Adding Depth to Sauce: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce after browning the turkey. Let it reduce before adding the tomatoes. Fresh Herbs for Brightness: If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, use them instead of dried. Add them at the end of cooking for a fresh, vibrant flavor. Leftover Pasta Tips: If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from getting mushy. Reheat with a splash of water to revive the sauce. {{image_2}} You can change this recipe to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey. Each will add a different flavor. - Veggies Galore: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. These will boost nutrients and taste. - Herbs and Spices: Try thyme or rosemary for a new flavor twist. Fresh herbs can brighten your dish. - Cheese Choices: Replace Parmesan with feta or mozzarella for a creamy finish. These swaps help create new flavors while keeping the meal easy. To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the turkey with plant-based options. Here’s how: - Meat Alternatives: Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. These options give protein and texture. - Extra Veggies: Load up on your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, and eggplant work well. - Creamy Touch: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta for richness. This adds a nice touch without meat. This way, you still enjoy a hearty meal that’s full of flavor. Spice can make or break a dish. Here are some ways to adjust it: - Mild Flavor: If you like it mild, skip the red pepper flakes. Focus on herbs for flavor instead. - Medium Heat: Use half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for warmth without too much kick. - Spicy Delight: For heat lovers, add a full teaspoon or even fresh chili. This will spice things up nicely. Tweak the spice level to suit your taste buds. Enjoy your cooking! To store your Ground Turkey Pasta alla Ramsay, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. This keeps your leftovers fresh. You can also divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without thawing the whole batch. When reheating, I suggest using the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water. Heat it on low, stirring often. This method helps keep the pasta moist. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. Stored properly, your Ground Turkey Pasta can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to use it. You can use ground chicken or ground beef. Both options offer great flavor. If you want a plant-based choice, try lentils or chickpeas. They add texture and protein too. Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Gluten-free pasta is also a good choice. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results. To make this dish dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Another option is to use a dairy-free cheese substitute. This dish goes well with a simple green salad. Garlic bread is a nice choice too. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, add color and crunch. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook everything and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, warm it up on the stove. Add a splash of pasta water if it looks dry. In this post, we explored how to make Ground Turkey Pasta alla Ramsay. We covered key ingredients, proper cooking methods, and tips for great flavor. You learned about storing leftovers and adjusting the dish to your taste. Cooking doesn’t have to be hard. With quality ingredients and the right steps, you can create a delicious meal. Embrace your kitchen skills and enjoy cooking this simple yet tasty dish! You’ll impress anyone at the table.

Ground Turkey Pasta alla Ramsay

A delicious pasta dish featuring ground turkey, vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or yellow)
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. If the sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until well coated with the sauce. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese throughout the pasta. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
Keyword pasta, quick meal, turkey