Lighter Turkey Hamburger Helper
Lighter Turkey Hamburger Helper
Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% is good)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (1 cup)
- 16 ounces dry short pasta of your choice (penne or elbow)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
PREPARATION:
Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add in diced onion, garlic, ground turkey and salt and pepper; breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute until tomato paste deepens in color, which will allow the flavor to bloom.
Add in the chicken broth, milk, and tomato sauce to the pot; stirring until well combined. Next, stir in the pasta and bring to a slight boil; you’ll cook UNCOVERED, stirring frequently, until the pasta is nice and tender, about 10-12 minutes (depending on your pasta shape) and most of the liquid (but not all!) is absorbed. You’ll want a little bit of liquid left to make the sauce nice and creamy. Remember you don’t need to have this over a roaring boil, just a gentle boil. Also, don't forget to stir often so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan!
Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and add additional salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes on top, if desired!