Easy Creamy Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready for a dish that’s easy as pie? (Actually, it’s easier than pie. Have you ever tried to make a pie from scratch? That’s a whole other blog post.) Introducing my Easy Creamy Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey recipe!

This recipe has got all the good stuff: protein, fiber, carbs, and loads of flavor. If you’re looking to fill out those macros, this recipe will be a hit! Plus, it’s simple to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 (10.5 oz) boxes protein pasta (We like Banza and Barilla brands. The chickpea rotini and penne)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 lb lean ground turkey
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 cups pureed tomatos
• 2.5 cups  chicken broth
• 1.5 cup heavy cream
• 10oz. low-fat cheddar, grated
• Fresh parsley to garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Now, let’s get cookin’!

1. Prepare pasta according to cooking instructions on box. Strain, and set aside. (Note: I like to rinse my protein pasta once it is al dente. I leave it in the strainer and rinse with cool water. It helps to make the chickpea pasta texture more like traditional pasta.)
2. Add olive oil to a large sauce pot (or instant pot), sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey to garlic and onions, browning for 5-7 minutes (or until thoroughly cooked), breaking into small pieces as you go. This meat masher is probably my favorite (and most used) kitchen gadget. I love mine so much, I have two!
4. Add thyme & paprika, combine and cook for another minute.
5. Add tomato sauce and chicken broth, stir to combine. Cook until it starts to bubble.
6. Remove from heat (for Instant Pot, turn to “keep warm”) heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Stir until cheese is melted. Salt & pepper to taste.
7. Serve garnished with parsley, basil, or italian seasoning and freshly shredded parmesan.

And there it is! You’ve got yourself a delicious and easy meal that’s sure to impress. Not to mention, it’s packed with protein & fiber, so you can feel good about indulging (in moderation, of course).

I like to serve this easy creamy protein pasta with ground turkey garnished with fresh parmesan. Serve with garlic bread and a caesar chopped salad and you’ll have a feast fit for a king.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal twist to this recipe. Who knows, maybe you’ll come up with something even better than my version. But if all else fails, just add more cream. Trust me, you can never go wrong with more cream.

Happy cooking, and even happier eating!