Inspired by the culinary techniques of Gordon Ramsay, this Ground Turkey Pasta recipe elevates humble ingredients into a gourmet dinner. Ramsay advocates for treating ground turkey with the same respect as beef—getting a deep sear to develop flavor and using fresh aromatics to mask the blandness often associated with poultry.
This dish is a lighter, healthier take on a Bolognese. It features a rich tomato sauce simmered with red wine (optional), Worcestershire sauce, and plenty of garlic. It is hearty enough to satisfy comfort food cravings but light enough for a weeknight healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chef-Level Flavor
By properly browning the meat and using high-quality crushed tomatoes, you get a sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.
Healthy Comfort
Ground turkey is lean and high in protein. If you love rich pasta sauces but want to keep things balanced, this pairs well with the Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta for a heavier alternative on cheat days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb pasta (penne)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28oz)
- 1 onion yellow onion, diced
- 1 carrot carrot, diced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Sear turkey until browned. Remove.
- Sauté onion and carrot.
- Add tomatoes, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Simmer 20 mins.
- Cook pasta. Toss with sauce.
- Serve with parmesan.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Lean Ground Turkey (93%). Crushed Tomatoes. Onion, Carrot, Celery (Mirepoix). Worcestershire Sauce (for umami). Fresh Basil and Oregano. Parmesan Cheese.
Smart Substitutions
Ground chicken works perfectly. You can use gluten-free pasta. If you don’t have wine, use a splash of chicken stock and balsamic vinegar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Dice onion, carrot, and celery finely. Mince garlic.
Cooking Phase
Sear turkey in olive oil until deeply browned. Remove. Sauté veggies until soft. Add garlic and tomato paste. Deglaze with wine. Add crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire. Simmer 20 mins. Toss with cooked pasta and pasta water.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Don’t stir the turkey constantly! Let it sit in the pan to get that brown crust. That is where the flavor lives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Under-seasoning. Turkey needs salt. Taste and adjust constantly.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of good olive oil.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for 3 months.
Q2? Is it spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes.
Q3? Why Worcestershire?
It adds a “beefy” depth to the turkey.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Protein | 30g |
Conclusion
This Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta is a masterclass in flavor. Healthy, hearty, and delicious.
