Name: Easy Shell Pasta with Ground Turkey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz shell pasta; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

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This easy shell pasta with ground turkey is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines tender shell pasta with savory ground turkey in a rich tomato sauce, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Easy Shell Pasta with Ground Turkey

Ingredients

12 oz shell pasta

1 lb ground turkey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

¼ cup tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by cooking the shell pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, I drain it and set it aside.

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, I add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

Next, I add the ground turkey to the skillet. I break it up with a spoon and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

I stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if I’m using them). I let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.

Once the sauce is ready, I toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together. I cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.

I remove the skillet from the heat and stir in fresh basil.

If I want, I can serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: I can throw in some sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Spicy twist: For a spicier version, I can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic.

Cheese options: If I’m not in the mood for Parmesan, I can use mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor.

Ground beef or chicken: I can easily swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken or beef, depending on what I have on hand or my preference.

Make it creamy: I can add a bit of cream or cream cheese to the sauce to make it richer and creamier.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I simply place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. I can also microwave it in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I can easily swap out the shell pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety. Many gluten-free options, such as rice or corn-based pasta, work well in this recipe.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish can be frozen! I just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! I can replace the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or lentils to make this a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Sure! If I have fresh tomatoes on hand, I can chop them up and use them in place of canned diced tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them down a bit longer to create a sauce-like consistency.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While I love using shell pasta, I can use any type of pasta I prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta I use.

Conclusion

This easy shell pasta with ground turkey is one of my go-to recipes for a quick and satisfying dinner. It’s simple, full of flavor, and comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for the whole family, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Recipe:

Easy Shell Pasta with Ground Turkey

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A hearty and flavorful dish combining tender shell pasta with savory ground turkey in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
Optionally, serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.