Are you tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs? Look no further! Our Baked Pasta with Ground Turkey recipe is a game-changer. This hearty, comforting dish combines the best of Italian cuisine with a leaner protein source, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 45 minutes, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our recipe and discover a new favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked pasta cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the turkey apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the turkey is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the jar of marinara sauce (24 oz) to the skillet with the ground turkey. Stir in the 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- After the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Pour the turkey and marinara mixture over the pasta and stir well to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pour the pasta and turkey mixture. Spread it out evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. This will help melt the cheese and heat everything through.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve the baked pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-style baked pasta with ground turkey!
Tips
- * Make sure to cook your pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during the baking process. * Don't overcook the ground turkey - it should be browned and cooked through, but still juicy. * Use a high-quality marinara sauce to get the best flavor out of your dish. * To ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking. * Let the baked pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to set.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
