One Pot Turkey Mexican Pasta

When a craving hits for cheesy pasta, but you don't want to blow the fat and calorie bank, look no further than One Pot Turkey Mexican Pasta - a spicy, cheesy, delicious way to get your pasta fix. Lean ground turkey is cooked with pasta, salsa, plenty of smoky spices, and just a touch of sharp cheddar cheese - and as stated, everything is cooked in one pot!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword creamy tomato pasta sauce, creamy tomato pasta, one pot pasta, pasta and meatballs, one pot meatballs

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings people

Calories 362kcal

Author Nicole

Cost $20

Equipment

1 skillet with high sides

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground turkey
1/2 cup diced onion
3 large garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 cups your favorite salsa (I use a medium, non-chunky salsa)
3 cups water or chicken broth
3 cups medium UNCOOKED shells
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and cilantro for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (Optional: See step 3)
Heat a large oven-proof skillet with high sides to a medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once oil is hot, add ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break up the turkey. Once the turkey is mostly cooked, add onion, garlic, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Continue to saute for 3-4 minutes until garlic and onion are softened.
Add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Add salsa, water, uncooked pasta and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until pasta is aldente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta isn't sticking to the bottom. If you're using whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta, you may need to add a little bit more water and cook longer.
Once the pasta is aldente, stir one last time and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese and cover with a lid or place in the oven just until the cheese has melted, about 2 minutes.
Garish with sour cream and chopped parsley or cilantro.

Nutrition