Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure! This Lemon Ricotta Ground Turkey Pasta with Broccoli is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and protein-packed deliciousness that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a dish that comes together in just 25 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who loves a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to dinner time happiness!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet with the ground turkey. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add ricotta cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine with the turkey and broccoli. Gently mix until the ricotta is heated through and creates a creamy sauce.
- Zest the entire lemon directly into the skillet, then squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture. Stir to incorporate the bright citrus flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnishing with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Reserve Your Pasta Water: Always save a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Achieve Perfect Turkey Browning: Make sure to break up the ground turkey into small pieces while cooking. This ensures even browning and prevents any clumpy texture.
- Broccoli Texture Matters: Cook broccoli just until it's bright green and slightly tender. Overcooking will make it mushy and dull the vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Ricotta Mixing Technique: Add ricotta at a lower heat to prevent separation and create a creamy, smooth sauce. Stir gently to maintain a luxurious texture.
- Lemon Zest Secret: Zest the entire lemon directly into the skillet for maximum flavor impact. The oils in the zest provide an incredible aromatic boost.
- Season Layer by Layer: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking. A pinch of salt at each stage builds deeper, more complex flavors.
- Optional Garnish Magic: Elevate your dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
