Ingredients

8 ounces Penne Pasta (or any pasta shape you love)

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (canola or vegetable oil works too)

1 medium Yellow Onion (red onion for a sharper twist)

1 pound Ground Turkey (or substitute with ground beef)

1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked recommended)

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or dried oregano, basil, thyme)

2 cloves Garlic, minced (or garlic powder)

2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour (gluten-free flour alternative)

1 cup Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth)

1 cup Tomato Sauce (canned diced tomatoes for chunkier texture)

½ cup Half-and-half (or heavy cream, non-dairy milk)

1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or provolone, dairy-free cheese)

1 cup Cheddar Cheese (or any melty cheese)

¼ cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (optional, for a little kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 4: Season the turkey with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir to combine and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked turkey and stir well to coat. This helps thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the tomato sauce and stir until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half-and-half. Stir until the sauce is creamy and combined.

Step 8: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.

Step 9: Stir in the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 10: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, swap ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Add a splash of white wine before the broth for extra depth of flavor.

Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free meal.

Mix in some sautéed spinach or bell peppers to boost the veggie content.

Omit red chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish or substitute with fresh chili for a fresher heat.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even sausage for different flavors and textures.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk instead of half-and-half, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well.

Dinner

Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta: Creamy Comfort in Minutes Recipe

Introduction