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For this tasty dish, you will need: - 1 lb (450g) ground turkey - 8 oz (225g) whole wheat or regular pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of basil and oregano) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil You can make this dish your own by adding: - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch - Cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers Feel free to play with flavors! Add your favorite herbs or spices to make it special. This dish serves four people. Here’s what you can expect per serving: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 28g - Fat: 14g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 5g This meal is not only tasty but also nutritious. It gives a good mix of protein and carbs to keep you energized. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight with family and friends! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta, like penne or fusilli. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside for later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and a bit see-through. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook this mixture for another minute, stirring often. The goal is to make the garlic smell great without letting it brown. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the turkey apart. Cook until it turns brown and is no longer pink. Once the turkey is cooked, pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mix well. Now, lower the heat. Gently fold in the cooked pasta. Make sure it is well mixed with the turkey and sauce. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of cottage cheese. Mix until well blended. Pour this cheese mixture over the pasta and turkey. Fold everything together gently. You want the cheeses to mix in and start melting into the warm pasta. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the cheese firm up a bit for better texture. Using herbs brings out great flavors in your dish. I love using dried Italian herbs for this recipe. These herbs mix well with the turkey and sauce. You can also add fresh herbs like basil. Fresh herbs can enhance taste and aroma. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to balance the flavors. A pinch can go a long way in making your dish pop. To get the best melt, mix your cheeses before adding them to the pasta. I use mozzarella and cottage cheese because they create a creamy texture. Make sure your pasta is warm when you add the cheese mix. This helps the cheese melt evenly. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta. Avoid overcooking the cheese; it should be gooey, not tough. Serving your dish well makes it more appealing. Use individual bowls for each serving. This adds a nice touch. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. A light sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs can add crunch. Serve it warm to keep the cheese melty. These small details will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the delightful look of your cheesy ground turkey pasta! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook pasta until it's al dente to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the skillet after browning the turkey before adding the marinara sauce. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as parmesan or cheddar for a unique flavor twist. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven before serving. {{image_4}} You can easily swap ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken, beef, or pork all work well. Each protein adds its unique flavor. For a lean option, ground chicken is a great choice. Beef adds a richer taste, while pork can be a bit sweeter. Just remember to cook each type thoroughly. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely. Focus on the cheese for a creamy dish. You can use extra mozzarella or cottage cheese for richness. Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This not only boosts flavor but adds nutrition too. Sauté vegetables with the onions for a tasty mix. This way, you still get a hearty meal without meat. Don't feel limited to just one pasta type. Whole wheat, penne, or fusilli are great choices. You can also try gluten-free pasta if needed. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can work for a low-carb option. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they vary. Choose the pasta that suits your taste and diet. The secret is to mix the pasta well with the sauce and cheese for the best flavor. To store your cheesy ground turkey pasta, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for the best results. This helps keep the pasta fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. Otherwise, use a freezer-safe container for longer storage. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a microwave or a skillet on low heat. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to keep it moist. For the skillet, stir often until heated through. This keeps the pasta creamy and tasty, not dry. To freeze, divide the pasta into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different cheese types in this recipe. I like cheddar or gouda for a twist. You can also mix in some parmesan for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently. Some cheeses may not get as creamy. Experiment to find your favorite combo! You can store cheesy ground turkey pasta in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. To reheat leftover pasta, I recommend using the stovetop. Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Stir it often until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover it and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps to avoid drying it out. This blog post covered an easy and tasty cheesy ground turkey pasta recipe. We explored key ingredients and how to cook pasta just right. I shared tips for enhancing flavors and ways to customize your dish. You learned how to store, reheat, and even adapt this meal to fit your needs. In the end, cooking should be fun and flexible. Enjoy making this dish in your unique way!

Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

A hearty and comforting pasta dish with ground turkey, cheeses, and marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring often until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook the turkey for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it is browned and fully cooked through.
  • Once the turkey is browned, pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs along with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for around 5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to low, then gently fold in the cooked pasta ensuring it is well mixed with the turkey and sauce.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese until well blended.
  • Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and turkey combination. Gently fold everything together until the cheeses are evenly distributed and begin to melt into the warm pasta.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to firm up slightly for better texture.

Notes

Serve warm in individual bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.
Keyword cheesy, comfort food, pasta, turkey