Turkey and Pasta Bake

Turkey and Pasta Bake Recipe with Ground Turkey, Garlic, and Parmesan Cheese

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Turkey and Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines lean ground turkey with bacon, vegetables, and pasta, all baked together in a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

Turkey and Pasta Bake is a modern twist on traditional pasta bakes, which have been a popular comfort food for generations. This recipe adds lean ground turkey as a healthier alternative to beef or pork, making it a lighter option that is still full of flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground turkey (9.43 blend)
5 oz (142 g) smoked turkey bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1.25 cup chicken stock
8 oz (227 g) rigatoni or penne pasta
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper

How to prepare

In a nonstick saucepan, brown the turkey, breaking up any large pieces until the meat is well-browned all over.
Add the chopped turkey bacon, garlic, onion, carrots, tomato paste, stock, and seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, until all the vegetables are tender.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and mix it with the turkey sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a shallow ovenproof dish and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes, until lightly browned on top.

Variations

Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey.
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the vegetable mix.
Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the turkey well to develop rich flavor in the dish.

- Use a nonstick saucepan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

- Don't overcook the pasta before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkey and Pasta Bake with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the turkey before adding the vegetables helps develop flavor.

- Simmering the sauce for an hour allows the flavors to meld together.

- Baking the dish at a moderate temperature ensures even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni.

- Substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or pancetta.

- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Turkey and Pasta Bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the Parmesan cheese right before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Turkey and Pasta Bake in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Turkey and Pasta Bake with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Turkey and Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Turkey and Pasta Bake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Turkey and Pasta Bake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Turkey and Pasta Bake contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Turkey and Pasta Bake contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey and Pasta Bake is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (pasta). It may also contain soy (from the bacon).

Summary

Turkey and Pasta Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Turkey and Pasta Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a mix of lean protein, vegetables, and pasta, this recipe is a balanced meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Turkey and Pasta Bake. It was a cold winter evening, and I had just finished preparing a delicious turkey for dinner. As I was cleaning up the kitchen, my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, knocked on my door with a plate of her famous pasta bake in hand.

"Hello dear, I thought you might like to try a bite of my Turkey and Pasta Bake," she said with a warm smile.

I graciously accepted the plate and took a bite of the creamy, cheesy pasta dish. It was absolutely divine – the perfect combination of tender turkey, al dente pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce. I couldn't help but ask Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe.

"Oh, it's nothing special, just a little something I threw together with some leftover turkey and pasta," she replied modestly. "But I'd be happy to share the recipe with you."

I eagerly took out a pen and paper, ready to jot down every detail of Mrs. Jenkins' recipe. She walked me through the ingredients and steps, explaining the importance of seasoning and cooking times. I listened intently, eager to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen.

The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work preparing the Turkey and Pasta Bake. As the aroma of roasting turkey filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I followed Mrs. Jenkins' instructions carefully, making sure to season each layer of the dish with care.

After an hour in the oven, the Turkey and Pasta Bake was ready. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the results of my efforts. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, savoring the creamy, cheesy goodness of her signature dish. It was a moment of pure joy and satisfaction.

From that day on, Turkey and Pasta Bake became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned such a delicious recipe from a dear friend and neighbor.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my version of Turkey and Pasta Bake, adding my own twists and variations to the original recipe. I experimented with different types of pasta, cheeses, and seasonings, always striving to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each time I made the dish, I felt a sense of connection to Mrs. Jenkins and the special bond we shared through our love of cooking.

As I grew older, I passed down the recipe for Turkey and Pasta Bake to my own children and grandchildren, hoping to inspire them to create their own culinary traditions. I shared the story of how I learned the recipe from Mrs. Jenkins, emphasizing the importance of friendship, community, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

Now, whenever I make Turkey and Pasta Bake, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the magical moment when I first discovered this delicious dish. I am grateful for her generosity and kindness in sharing her recipe with me, and for the countless memories I have created around the dinner table with my family and friends. Cooking has always been a source of joy and connection in my life, and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from the many wonderful people who have shared their recipes with me over the years.