Ingredients
To create this comforting dish, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that come together in perfect harmony, much like a symphony of flavors dancing in your mouth. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Ground turkey: The star of the dish, offering a lean yet flavorful protein.
– Pasta of your choice: I often use fusilli, as its twists capture the sauce beautifully.
– Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced, to infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
– Onion: A small, finely chopped onion adds a sweet, savory base.
– Olive oil: For sautéing, a nod to my Italian culinary adventures.
– Canned tomatoes: Diced, to create a luscious tomato base.
– Heavy cream: To achieve that luxurious, creamy texture.
– Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, for a nutty, savory finish.
– Fresh basil: Torn and sprinkled, reminiscent of my grandmother’s garden.
– Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
– Red pepper flakes: For a subtle kick, optional but recommended.
Each ingredient is chosen for its ability to complement and elevate the others, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Instructions
Creating this dish is as much about the process as it is about the flavors. Here’s how to bring it all together:
1. **Cook the pasta**: Begin by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Sauté the aromatics**: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until they’re fragrant and translucent, much like the way my mother would start her sauces.
3. **Brown the turkey**: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. This step always reminds me of the countless times I watched Nonna Rosa work her magic with simple ingredients.
4. **Build the sauce**: Stir in the canned tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, stirring gently until the sauce is beautifully creamy and cohesive.
5. **Combine and finish**: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the luscious sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
This process not only builds layers of flavor but also creates a narrative with each step, turning a simple meal into a cherished memory.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g