Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta dish? This Turkey & Mushroom Penne Pasta is the perfect balance of lean protein, fresh mushrooms, and savory Parmesan Reggiano cheese. Plus, it’s packed with bold flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta & Protein
1 package PC Splendido Penne Pasta
1 1/4 lb ground turkey
Vegetables & Aromatics
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 1/2 tsp dried)
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp dried chili flakes
1 lb assorted fresh mushrooms (cremini, stemmed shiitake, portobello, oyster, etc.), sliced
5 green onions, chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
1 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, chopped thyme, garlic, and dried chili flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer the turkey mixture to a bowl and discard any excess fat.
4. Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly, then pour the liquid over the turkey mixture and set aside.
5. Cook the Mushrooms & Green Onions
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the same pot. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped green onions. Sauté until the mushrooms become tender and browned (about 6 minutes).
6. Combine & Reduce
Return the turkey mixture to the pot and add the low-sodium chicken stock. Allow the sauce to reduce by about 1/4 of its volume, concentrating the flavors.
7. Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the pot and toss everything together for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey & Mushroom Penne Pasta is a fantastic go-to meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. It’s hearty, packed with nutrients, and incredibly flavorful. Pair it with a glass of white wine and a side of garlic bread for a restaurant-quality experience at home!
