Sweet & Spicy Turkey Broccoli Pasta (Printable)

Lean ground turkey and crisp broccoli tossed with penne in a sweet and spicy sauce, ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne pasta

→ Turkey & Vegetables

02 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
03 - 2 cups small broccoli florets
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Sauce

07 - 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 2 tbsp honey
09 - 2 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
10 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
12 - 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

→ Garnish

13 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
14 - Fresh cilantro or basil leaves

# How To Make It:

01 - 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.
02 - 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 to 6 minutes.
03 - Add broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are bright and just tender.
04 - In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
05 - Pour the sauce over the turkey and vegetables. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - 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.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs if desired.
08 - Serve hot immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in half an hour, perfect for those nights when you're hungry but your patience is thin.
  • The balance of spicy, sweet, and savory hits all your taste buds without needing any cream or cheese to feel rich.
  • Ground turkey keeps it lean while the sauce and broccoli make it taste anything but light.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving that pasta water, it's the secret to getting a sauce that clings to every noodle instead of sliding off.
  • The cornstarch slurry needs to be mixed into a smooth paste before it hits the pan or you'll end up with little crunchy bits in your sauce.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame oil in the pan for just a few seconds before adding the sauce, it makes the whole thing smell incredible and deepens the flavor.
  • If you're making this for someone with dietary restrictions, swap the regular pasta for gluten-free and use tamari instead of soy sauce, and it works just as well.
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