Pin It Brighten up your dinner routine with this Sweet & Spicy Turkey Broccoli Pasta. This quick and vibrant dish brings together lean ground turkey and crisp-tender broccoli florets in a glossy, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats every penne noodle. It is an easy American Fusion meal that is both satisfying and dairy-free, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Pin It The secret to this recipe lies in the balance of heat and sweetness, creating a rich glaze that turns simple ingredients into something special. Whether you are cooking for your family or looking for a high-protein meal prep option, this dish offers bold flavors with very little effort.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- Turkey & Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey, 2 cups (about 200 g) small broccoli florets, 1 small red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 green onions (sliced)
- Sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are bright and just tender.
- Step 4
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Step 5
- Pour the sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Step 6
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat. Stir in green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs if desired.
- Step 8
- Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the sauce has the perfect consistency, always whisk your cornstarch with water separately before adding it to the skillet. Cooking the pasta until just al dente is key, as it will continue to absorb the flavors of the sweet and spicy sauce without becoming mushy. Using a large skillet ensures the turkey browns evenly rather than steaming.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This dish is highly customizable. You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles. For extra nutritional value, feel free to add sliced carrots or snap peas. If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne and replace the soy sauce with tamari, ensuring all labels are checked for allergens.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pasta hot, topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a burst of freshness. To elevate the meal, pair it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the spice and complements the honeyed notes of the sauce.
Pin It Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Sweet & Spicy Turkey Broccoli Pasta, a perfect blend of lean protein and garden-fresh vegetables that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy is this pasta dish?
The spice level is moderate and comes from sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less sauce according to your preference.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta and replace soy sauce with tamari to make the entire dish gluten-free while maintaining the same great flavor.
- → What other proteins work well in this dish?
Ground chicken is an excellent substitute for turkey. You could also use crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version or sliced chicken breast for a different texture.
- → How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, this pasta will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of water to refresh the sauce coating.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, snap peas, or zucchini work beautifully. Add them during the sauté step so they cook through and absorb the sweet and spicy flavors.
- → What pairs well with this main dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweet and spicy notes. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the rich flavors perfectly.