Description
This Protein Pasta Sauce recipe is a wholesome and comforting dish that combines cooked protein pasta with a savory tomato sauce enriched with ground turkey and flavorful Italian spices. It’s a quick and nourishing meal perfect for a busy weeknight, providing a balanced combination of protein and classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked protein pasta
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat until hot and shimmering, preparing the base for cooking the ground turkey.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add 1/2 cup of cooked ground turkey to the pan and sauté until browned and heated through, breaking it up to ensure an even texture.
- Add the tomato sauce and seasonings: Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce, then stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix everything to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. This enhances the flavor and allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine with pasta: Stir in 2 cups of cooked protein pasta, mixing well so that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Serve topped with cheese: Finish by sprinkling 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta sauce before serving, adding a savory, creamy finish.
Notes
- Use any protein pasta variety such as chickpea, lentil, or pea-based pasta for added nutrition.
- If preferred, ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder and Italian seasoning according to your taste preference.
- For a lower fat option, reduce the olive oil or use a cooking spray.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
