Are you craving a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that combines the lean goodness of ground turkey with the vibrant sweetness of red peppers? Look no further! This Turkey and Red Pepper Rotini is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero - a perfect blend of Italian-inspired flavors that comes together in just 35 minutes. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, loaded with juicy seasoned turkey and a rich, aromatic sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it into small pieces using a wooden spatula.
- Cook turkey for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it's completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced red bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until pepper softens slightly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat pasta evenly with sauce and turkey.
- Serve hot, garnishing each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, make sure to drain excess fat from the turkey to keep the dish light and prevent a greasy texture.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente - this ensures it won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Don't rush the simmering process - letting the sauce cook slowly helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, as it melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty finish to the dish.
- For extra nutrition, you can add additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
