Ground Turkey Small Shell Pasta – Easy Recipe

This ground turkey small shell pasta takes little energy to make and is delicious! The marinara is meaty, cheesy, creamy and the texture of the shells is addicting. Definitely a crowd pleaser!

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For our easy small shell pasta all you need is a few ingredients, most you may already have. If you cook your pasta shells at the same time as this sauce, everything finishes under 25 minutes!

Ground turkey is a meat we always have in the fridge. It has protein, fat, a variety of vitamins, minerals and is generally lower in saturated fat compared to beef. Read more at Healthline

Small pasta shells have become a favorite. Its perfect for pasta salads, soups and of course… pasta! We use the small shells because it holds the turkey marinara well and gives the perfect bite.

Cheesy Turkey Small Shell Pasta

Serves 3

Ingredients

• 1 cup small pasta shells
• 8 oz ground turkey
• 1 shallot; peeled and chopped into small pieces
• 3 garlic cloves; peeled and minced
• 15 oz can tomato sauce (“no salt added”)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp honey or granulated sugar 
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup white sharp cheddar cheese; shredded (Parmesan works great too), plus more for serving
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil
• Kosher Salt
• White pepper

Instructions

1. Boil water in a medium pot to cook the pasta shells (cook the pasta the same time as the sauce; step 4)
2. While the water is boiling, in a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey, breaking up the meat and cook for 6 minutes until browned. Season with a pinch of salt and white pepper.
3. Mix in the chopped shallot and cook another 3 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, honey, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Adjust the heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, lower heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. ( while sauce is simmering, add the pasta shells to boiling water and cook according to the box directions.)
5. Pour the half and half and cheese to the marinara and mix until the cheese melts. Pour in the cooked, drained pasta and stir until combined. 
6. Enjoy with extra cheese on top!

note: boil the water while the ground turkey is cooking. Cook your pasta shells at the same time as add the tomato sauce so everything finishes at the same time.