Penne With Turkey & Broccoli

This comforting Penne with Turkey and Broccoli is the perfect weeknight dinner for a balanced, satisfying meal. The lean ground turkey browns beautifully in olive oil before being simmered in a savory sauce made from crushed plum tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and onion. Fresh broccoli florets are cooked directly in the sauce, retaining their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture while absorbing the rich flavors. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a hint of chili flakes for warmth, this dish is light yet filling. It pairs wonderfully with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Ideal for families looking for a quick, nutritious option that tastes like home cooking without the fuss.

Cooking Method: Sautéing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 450

Description

This comforting Penne with Turkey and Broccoli is the perfect weeknight dinner for a balanced, satisfying meal. The lean ground turkey browns beautifully in olive oil before being simmered in a savory sauce made from crushed plum tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and onion. Fresh broccoli florets are cooked directly in the sauce, retaining their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture while absorbing the rich flavors. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a hint of chili flakes for warmth, this dish is light yet filling. It pairs wonderfully with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Ideal for families looking for a quick, nutritious option that tastes like home cooking without the fuss.

Ingredients

2 tablespoon Olive oil
1 Onion;chopped
3 cloves Garlic;chopped
1/8 teaspoon Chili flakes;optional
1 can Plum tomatoes;28oz/796 ml
2 cups Turkey;cooked, diced
1 bunch Broccoli;trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1 lb Penne; or other tubular pasta
1/2 cup Parmesan;grated, optional

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
3
Add chopped onions, garlic, and chili flakes to the skillet.
4
Cook gently for 5 minutes, or until the aromatics are very fragrant and onions are soft.
5
Add the plum tomatoes with their juices to the skillet; bring to a boil.
6
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
7
Stir in the diced cooked turkey and cook for 5 minutes to heat through.
8
Add the broccoli florets, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
9
Cook for 5 to 8 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and heated through.
10
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in the boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente.
11
Drain the pasta well.
12
Toss the drained pasta with the turkey and broccoli sauce.
13
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
14
Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 75mg25%
Sodium 800mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 8g
Protein 25g50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to prevent sticking.

Variations: You can substitute the turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based ground meat. Swap broccoli for cauliflower, snap peas, or spinach.

Tips: For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end. If using raw ground turkey, brown it first before adding the tomatoes, ensuring it is fully cooked.

Keywords: penne pasta, turkey, broccoli, tomato sauce, healthy dinner, one pan meal, weeknight dinner, lean protein, italian american, family friendly, quick easy, garlic onion, pasta recipe, vegetable pasta, chili flakes, parmesan cheese, low fat, comfort food, meal prep

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/penne-with-turkey-brocolli/