Craving a meal that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this mouthwatering Rigatoni with Turkey and Broccoli recipe that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and balanced meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until turkey is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet with the turkey. Pour in chicken broth and cover, allowing broccoli to steam for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain the cooked rigatoni and add directly to the skillet with turkey and broccoli. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve hot, garnishing each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For the most flavorful turkey, ensure you're breaking it into small, even crumbles while cooking to maximize browning and develop rich flavor.
- Don't overcook the broccoli - aim for that perfect tender-crisp texture by steaming it just until it turns bright green. This preserves nutrients and prevents mushy vegetables.
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that helps the ingredients cling together beautifully.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the most intense flavor. The difference is remarkable!
- For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
