Description
Delightful lemon ricotta turkey pasta brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table, blending zesty citrus with creamy cheese and hearty protein. Comfort meets elegance in this quick, satisfying meal that you’ll savor with each delicious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Pasta and Liquid:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or farfalle work well)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm a spacious cooking vessel with olive oil over moderate temperature, creating a foundation for the flavor-packed dish.
- Introduce ground turkey into the pot, methodically crumbling the meat with a utensil and cooking until it transforms to a rich, golden-brown hue, ensuring complete culinary preparation.
- Infuse the mixture with aromatic minced garlic, allowing its essence to permeate the protein for roughly 60 seconds.
- Incorporate vibrant broccoli florets, gently sautéing to preserve their crisp texture and verdant color.
- Layer the pasta, chicken broth, and seasoning into the evolving creation, triggering a gentle simmer and covering to allow harmonious cooking for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and liquid reduces.
- Transition heat to minimal setting, introducing creamy ricotta, bright lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and nutty Parmesan cheese, stirring until a luxurious, cohesive sauce emerges.
- Calibrate the dish’s flavor profile by adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Elevate the presentation with an optional sprinkle of verdant, freshly chopped parsley, transforming the meal into a visually appealing culinary experience.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or diced chicken for varied protein options.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and increase nutritional value.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that elevates the dish’s flavor profile without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a smoother, silkier sauce if the mixture seems too dry when mixing ricotta and cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg