Ingredients
Scale
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling a collection of memories, each one playing a part in creating a comforting meal:
- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli work wonderfully)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow adds a lovely sweetness)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
If you’re short on any ingredient, don’t fret! Substitute with what you have at hand—Mama Lou always said a good cook is one who can adapt.
Instructions
Cooking this dish is like painting a picture with flavors, each step adding depth and warmth:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with that rich, savory mixture.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
In Mama Lou’s words, “A good sauce is like a warm embrace.” Let each bite remind you of home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
