Simple Lean Ground Turkey Pasta with Garden Marinara

Quick Summary

A nutritious, protein-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It features lean ground turkey, aromatic garlic, and a bright tomato-basil sauce served over your choice of whole-grain or lentil pasta.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Method

1. 1. Boil the water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. 2. Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes for one minute until fragrant.
3. 3. Brown the turkey. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
4. 4. Simmer the sauce. Pour in the marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. 5. Combine and serve. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve hot with fresh basil.

Nutrition Snapshot

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, lean ground chicken or even finely crumbled extra-firm tofu works wonderfully in this recipe.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The turkey sauce freezes beautifully. I recommend cooking the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply swap the traditional pasta for a high-quality brown rice or chickpea-based pasta.