I’ve savored every bite of Gordon Ramsay’s ground turkey pasta in my own kitchen, and I can tell you it’s the kind of creamy, comforting dinner that makes weeknights feel less chaotic. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into restaurant-quality comfort food in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender turkey, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that satisfies everyone at the table without leaving you exhausted.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta
I always keep these ingredients stocked because this recipe has become my go-to solution for busy evenings. In my experience, using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged makes a noticeable difference in how creamy the sauce becomes. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
- 8 ounces penne pasta (any pasta shape works beautifully)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground turkey – I recommend choosing 93% lean for the best balance of flavor and health
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked gives the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – My preference is to use a quality brand or mix my own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth – I usually opt for low-sodium so I can control the salt level
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded – In my experience, shredding your own cheese prevents that grainy texture from anti-caking agents
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so you can work efficiently and have everything ready when you need it. This approach has saved me from many kitchen mishaps over the years.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until just barely al dente – it should still have a slight bite since it will continue cooking in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out and reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta completely in a colander.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces become soft and translucent with golden edges.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with your wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops a nice brown color. If you’re looking for other ground meat recipes, try this Korean ground beef bowl for a different flavor profile. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant – watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the turkey mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for one minute to eliminate that raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce while stirring continuously, then bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of your spoon when it’s ready.
Step 5: Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure every piece gets coated. Stir in the half-and-half for that signature creaminess, and if the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low and add half of both cheeses, stirring until they melt into the sauce and create that gorgeous, creamy texture. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let everything melt together. Garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes before serving warm.
Perfect Pairings for Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with sides that add freshness and texture contrast to balance the richness of the dish.
Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior of garlic bread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra sauce while adding a satisfying textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
Simple Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce and adds a refreshing element that cleanses your palate between bites.
Roasted Broccoli: The slightly charred, crispy edges of roasted broccoli complement the pasta’s creaminess while adding nutritional value and a pleasant bitter note that balances the dish’s savory flavors. For a complete broccoli and pasta meal, check out this chicken sausage and broccoli orzo.
Steamed Green Beans: These tender vegetables provide a mild, fresh contrast that doesn’t compete with the pasta’s bold flavors, making them an excellent choice for picky eaters or younger family members.
Caesar Salad: The tangy, garlicky dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce create a delightful contrast to the warm, creamy pasta, while the Parmesan ties both dishes together beautifully.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes: If you want to make this meal even heartier, serve it alongside cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage for a truly indulgent comfort food dinner.
Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, which actually makes the flavors even more pronounced the next day.
For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop method with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore that creamy consistency. Heat it over medium-low, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can also freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pasta may be slightly softer after thawing.
This recipe also works wonderfully for meal prep. I often double the batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for quick weeknight lunches or dinners throughout the week. For more meal prep ideas, explore this creamy italian sausage rigatoni that also reheats beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly in this recipe. I suggest using 85% lean ground beef for optimal flavor and texture, though you may want to drain excess fat after browning. If you love ground beef recipes, try this hobo casserole with ground beef for another easy dinner option.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Also, add the cheese over low heat and stir gently until melted.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
Gordon Ramsay Ground Turkey Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until just barely al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta completely in a colander.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces become soft and translucent with golden edges.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with your wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops a nice brown color. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the turkey mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for one minute to eliminate that raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce while stirring continuously, then bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for 3-5 minutes.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure every piece gets coated. Stir in the half-and-half for that signature creaminess, and if the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low and add half of both cheeses, stirring until they melt into the sauce and create that gorgeous, creamy texture. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let everything melt together. Garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes before serving warm.
Notes
