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Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550
A hearty and healthy baked pasta dish featuring lean ground turkey, kale, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Meat and Pasta

  • 1 pound ground turkey (extra lean)
  • 3 cups whole wheat penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
  • 4-5 cups kale (stems removed & chopped)
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon oregano (dried)
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried)
  • 1 teaspoon basil (dried)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • to taste ground black pepper
  • 28 ounces tomato sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded & divided)
  • 1/3 cup Italian parsley (chopped)

Cooking spray (I use Misto)

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta al dente, drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
  • Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add herbs and ground turkey, cook until browned.
  • Add tomato sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, and pasta water; simmer 2 minutes, then stir in kale.
  • Combine cooked pasta with sauce and turkey mixture.
  • Layer half in baking dish, sprinkle with 1 cup cheese, repeat, cover, and bake 20 minutes.
  • Let stand 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh herbs if possible for more flavor.
Calories: 550kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bake, Pasta, Turkey