Skillet Turkey Pasta

There’s something about a warm bowl of Skillet Turkey Pasta that instantly feels like home. Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and I’m racing against the clock after a long day. The kids are back from school, and they’re hungry! This is where my trusty skillet comes into play. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. The moment that rich aroma fills the kitchen, I know it’s going to be a hit.

As I toss together the tender elbow noodles, savory ground turkey, and vibrant bell peppers, I feel a sense of satisfaction. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of hearty kidney beans and fresh vegetables makes for a colorful and wholesome meal. And let’s not forget about the juicy nectarines on the side—they add a sweet touch that perfectly complements the savory pasta.

This is more than just a meal; it’s a simple reminder of family time, where we gather around the dinner table and share stories of our day. With each bite of Skillet Turkey Pasta, I can see smiles and hear laughter, which is what cooking is all about for me. So, let’s get started on this delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

What’s In This Skillet Turkey Pasta

The ingredients in Skillet Turkey Pasta come together beautifully, creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures. The choice of wholesome components ensures every bite is not only satisfying but also nourishing. Key players like ground turkey provide protein while kidney beans add fiber, making this dish a healthy choice for any meal.

• 8 ounces elbow noodles: These pasta shapes hold the sauce and ingredients well, providing a comforting base for the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil adds healthy fats and enhances the flavor of the dish.
• 1 pound ground turkey: Lean and flavorful, ground turkey is a great alternative to beef, offering a lighter option packed with protein.
• 1 medium green bell pepper: Fresh and crunchy, this adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
• 2 medium red tomatoes: Juicy and ripe, they contribute moisture and tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1/2 medium onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion serves as a foundational flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans: These beans are hearty and provide extra protein and fiber for a filling meal.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin: A warm spice that adds depth and an earthy flavor to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: This spice brings a mild heat and complexity, making the dish exciting.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the recipe.
• 1 cup vegetable broth: Adds moisture and flavor, creating a luscious sauce that ties everything together.
• 4 medium nectarines: These sweet fruits served on the side add a refreshing contrast to the savory pasta.

Preparation Steps for Skillet Turkey Pasta

Getting into the groove of cooking Skillet Turkey Pasta is a breeze. This dish is all about layering flavors and cooking efficiently. Let’s dive into the preparation steps that will lead you to a delicious meal, perfect for any occasion.

1. Start by cooking the elbow noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked to al dente, drain and set them aside. This is the base of your dish, so make sure they’re not overcooked!
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers slightly. This will be the foundation for your flavors.
3. Add the ground turkey to the hot skillet. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Look for the meat to turn from pink to a lovely brown, which should take about five to seven minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
4. While the turkey is cooking, take a moment to prep your veggies. Roughly chop the green bell pepper, red tomatoes, and onion. Add these to a food processor and pulse until they’re chunky, but not pureed. You want the flavors to be visible in the dish!
5. Once the turkey is cooked through, drain and rinse the kidney beans. Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet along with the beans. Stir everything together, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
6. Next, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and salt. These spices will elevate the entire dish, so make sure to mix them well with the turkey and veggies.
7. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will create a delicious sauce that brings all the flavors together. Let it cook for about ten to fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Finally, add the cooked elbow noodles back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated in the sauce. This is when the magic happens!
9. Serve your Skillet Turkey Pasta with sliced nectarines on the side. The sweet fruit complements the savory flavors perfectly, rounding out the meal.

Tips for Success

To make your experience with Skillet Turkey Pasta even better, here are some helpful tips. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, these pointers will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Serving Size: This recipe serves six, but you can easily halve it or double it based on your needs.
• Pairing: It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serve This Skillet Turkey Pasta With

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread would be perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: Lighten the meal with a refreshing green salad topped with vinaigrette.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrients.
• Family Gatherings: This dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, bringing everyone together.
• Picnics: Pack it for a picnic! It tastes great cold or at room temperature.
• Game Night: Serve it during your next game night for a fun and filling meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Skillet Turkey Pasta is a wonderful way to bring flavor and nutrition to your table. With its simplicity and heartwarming taste, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your home. This dish reminds us how comforting a hearty meal can be, especially when shared with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try tonight and enjoy the smiles it brings to your family!

Skillet Turkey Pasta

The ultimate comfort food that’s ready in no time! Skillet Turkey Pasta combines savory ground turkey with tender noodles and fresh veggies for a hearty, delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish will satisfy your cravings and bring smiles to the dinner table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 487 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Food Processor

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces elbow noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound turkey, ground
• 1 medium bell pepper, green
• 2 medium tomato, red
• 1/2 medium onion
• 15 ounces kidney beans, canned
• 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 4 medium nectarine

Instructions

 

• Cook elbow noodles as directed on package. Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add turkey. Stir and break apart to crumble. Cook until no longer pink.
• Meanwhile, roughly chop bell pepper, tomatoes and onion. Add to food processor; pulse until chunky or even longer if desired (but avoid pureeing). Drain and rinse beans.
• Add veggies to skillet with pasta, beans, cumin, chili powder, salt and vegetable broth. Mix together and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Serve with sliced nectarines on the side.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
• Tip 2: This dish freezes well! Just cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
• Tip 3: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Tip 4: This recipe serves six, but you can easily halve it or double it based on your needs.
• Tip 5: It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Keyword easy turkey pasta, family-friendly pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe, quick skillet dinner

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.