Turkey Pasta
Whole-wheat pasta with a quick lean ground-turkey marinara — homemade tomato sauce, no jarred.
For 3 servings
Cook the whole-wheat pasta until al dente.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the whole-wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly once it reaches an al dente texture.
Prepare the turkey marinara sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté onion for 4 minutes.
- Add garlic for 30 seconds, then brown the turkey for 6 minutes while breaking it up.
- Stir in tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
TIPBrowning the turkey until no pink remains creates a deeper savory base for the sauce.Toss the pasta with the sauce and garnish.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the turkey marinara and toss until every strand is well coated. Divide into bowls and top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
3 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to help the sauce adhere to the noodles.
- 2Use a potato masher to break the ground turkey into finer crumbles for a more uniform sauce texture.
- 3Rub the dried oregano between your palms before adding it to the pan to release its aromatic oils.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low sodium
Omit the salt in the pasta water and use fresh tomatoes instead of canned to further reduce sodium.
spicierSpicier
Increase the red chili flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
gluten freeGluten free
Replace the whole-wheat pasta with brown rice or chickpea-based gluten-free pasta.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High Fiber Content
Whole-wheat pasta provides essential fiber for digestive health and satiety.
Lean Protein Source
Ground turkey offers high-quality protein without the high saturated fat of red meat.
Heart Healthy Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this recipe uses lean ground turkey and whole-wheat pasta to provide a high-protein, high-fiber meal that is lower in saturated fat than traditional beef pasta.
