Picante Turkey Pasta
A flavorful and spicy turkey pasta dish featuring ground turkey, tomatoes, corn, and cheese, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with bold southwestern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 to 1 cup Pace picante sauce
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 to 3 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt ⓘ
- 3 cups medium shell pasta ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground turkey with chopped onion and green pepper until the turkey loses its pink color, stirring frequently and breaking it into small pieces.
- Add diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and picante sauce; mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the turkey mixture simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the turkey mixture; let stand for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or use a hotter picante sauce. Ground chicken can be used in place of turkey for a different flavor. Consider incorporating black beans or bell peppers for extra texture. Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente is best so it holds up in the dish. This recipe is similar to the flavors found in Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Picante Turkey Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Taco-Flavored Corn Chips Salad for added crunch. For a festive touch, top with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This dish is great for meal prep and is sure to be a hit at potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Turkey Pasta contains roughly 554 calories, with 25g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (79% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving to ensure it stays firm and doesn't become mushy. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for the ground turkey?
You can substitute ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times as necessary, particularly for beef, to ensure it’s cooked through. Each alternative will bring its own flavor profile to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and replace it with cooked lentils or a meat substitute. You can also increase the quantity of vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini, to add heartiness. Ensure the picante sauce and other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).