Name: High-Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean); 12 oz high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil); 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, low-sodium; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

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Why make this recipe

High-Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey is not just a meal; it’s a powerhouse dish loaded with muscle-building goodness. If you’re looking to fuel your workouts with something easy and delicious, this dish checks all the boxes. With lean ground turkey and high-protein pasta, you’re serving up a plate that supports your fitness goals without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for any busy lifestyle!

How to make High-Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
12 oz high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, low-sodium
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Gear Up for Gains: Grab a skillet, a pot, a cutting board, a knife, and a spoon—this pasta’s about to power your gym grind with ease! Picture a hearty, protein-packed plate—let’s dive in with a big, pumped-up grin!

Cook the Pasta: Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil—toss in 12 oz high-protein pasta! Cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente (check package)—drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside!

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your skillet over medium—add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft! Toss in minced garlic—stir for 1 minute until fragrant—your savory base is building!

Brown the Turkey: Add 1 lb ground turkey to the skillet—break it up with a spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned! Drain any excess fat—this lean protein’s your muscle fuel!

Season the Meat: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper—stir for 1 minute to coat the turkey! This spice mix is your flavor ticket—keep it gym-friendly and tasty!

Make the Sauce: Pour in the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes—stir it into the turkey mix! Simmer for 10 minutes, letting it thicken—add a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick—your sauce is bulking up!

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Dump the cooked pasta into the skillet—toss it with the turkey sauce until every noodle’s coated! This protein-carb combo is your mass-building magic—mix it good!

Add the Cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan over the top—stir it in for 1-2 minutes until melty and blended! That cheesy boost adds protein and flavor—perfect for your gains!

Taste and Adjust: Grab a spoon and taste—need more salt, pepper, or a pinch of seasoning? Tweak it now—this is your chance to nail that bulking flavor!

Serve and Fuel Up: Scoop the pasta onto plates or into meal prep containers—dig into the hearty turkey, saucy pasta, and cheesy goodness! Pack extras for the gym or enjoy hot—it’s bulking fuel that rocks. Crush every muscle-building bite!

How to serve High-Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey

Serve this high-protein pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. It goes well with a side salad or some steamed veggies. For an added kick, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes.

How to store High-Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey

To store, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw before reheating!

Tips to make High-Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente is best for texture.
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition.
Use ground turkey breast for an even leaner dish.

Variation

Try using different shapes of high-protein pasta or switch out the ground turkey for lean ground beef or chicken. You can also mix in your favorite vegetables to customize the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of high-protein pasta?
Yes, you can, but it will lower the protein content of the dish.

2. What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
You can use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy days.

High-Protein Pasta with Ground Turkey

Author: patrick
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: High Protein

Print Recipe

Description

A muscle-building dish featuring lean ground turkey and high-protein pasta, perfect for fueling workouts.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
12 oz high-protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, low-sodium
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Gear Up for Gains: Grab a skillet, a pot, a cutting board, a knife, and a spoon.
Cook the Pasta: Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil—cook pasta for 7-9 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add diced onion, and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic for 1 minute.
Brown the Turkey: Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Meat: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring for 1 minute.
Make the Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir into turkey mix, and simmer for 10 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if too thick.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until noodles are coated in sauce.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan over the top, stir in for 1-2 minutes until melted.
Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serve and Fuel Up: Serve in plates or meal prep containers. Enjoy hot or ready for the gym.