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Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta

Quick 30-minute ground turkey pasta with creamy cheese sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup half-and-half
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground turkey to the skillet. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned with no pink remaining. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour evenly over the turkey and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add tomato sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Add drained penne to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Pour in half-and-half and stir gently. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar, folding gently until melted. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let sit for 2 minutes off the heat.
  7. Remove lid and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Freezing not recommended for cream-based pasta.
Substitutions: Use ground chicken instead of turkey. Replace half-and-half with equal parts milk and heavy cream. Substitute gluten-free pasta and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
Make-Ahead: Cook turkey and sauce ahead, store separately from pasta. Combine and add cheese when ready to serve.
Serving: Pairs well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.