Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
- 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, breaking apart the turkey with a spoon.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and turkey mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer half the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Top with remaining pasta and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra cheese if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use part-skim cheese to reduce fat content.
- Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; increase baking time if chilled.
- Try whole wheat pasta for added fiber or add a splash of red wine for richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy, Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg