Creamy Sage Turkey & Squash Pasta Delight
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Sage Turkey & Squash Pasta Delight, featuring lean ground turkey enveloped in a luxurious, creamy sauce made from pureed winter squash. This wholesome dish captures the essence of autumn with its delightful blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, enhanced by earthy spices like sage, nutmeg, and turmeric. Packed with nutritious peas and served over tender noodles, this low-fat recipe offers a guilt-free way to enjoy a creamy dish without compromising on taste. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this meal not only nourishes but also warms the soul!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic cloves
3-6 (minced)
onion
1 large (diced)
ground turkey
1 1/4 lbs (uncooked)
fresh sage
2 tablespoons (minced, divided)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
dried parsley
2 teaspoons (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
curry powder
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
pureed squash
1 cup (cooked and pureed)
low-fat milk
1 cup (or cream for richness)
frozen peas
1 cup (defrosted)
noodles
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onions become translucent, about 3 minutes.
2
Incorporate the ground turkey into the skillet, stirring well to break up the meat. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the turkey is browned throughout.
3
Sprinkle half of the fresh sage, nutmeg, dried parsley, chili pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and curry over the turkey mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.
4
Mix in the pureed squash and low-fat milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes.
5
Gently fold in the defrosted peas and the remaining fresh sage, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6
Serve the turkey and squash mixture over the freshly cooked noodles. Optionally, lightly drizzle with olive oil or a pat of butter for added richness, though it’s delicious on its own. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh sage for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
31.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sage Turkey & Squash Pasta Delight?
It is a comforting autumn-inspired dish featuring lean ground turkey and noodles in a luxurious sauce made from pureed winter squash and earthy spices.
What meat is used in this pasta recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of uncooked ground turkey.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, it is a low-fat dish containing only 2.5g of fat per serving.
What provides the creamy texture to the sauce?
The creaminess comes from a combination of pureed squash, low-fat milk, and a small amount of flour.
How much protein is in this meal?
This recipe is high in protein, providing 31.25g per serving.
What are the primary spices used?
The dish is seasoned with fresh sage, nutmeg, turmeric, curry powder, and chili pepper flakes.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for the 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
How much squash is required?
You will need 1 cup of cooked and pureed winter squash.
What type of milk is used for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of low-fat milk or cream for added richness.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe recommends between 3 and 6 minced garlic cloves depending on your preference.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
When do I add the ground turkey?
Add the turkey after the onions and garlic are sautéed, and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
What is the role of turmeric in this dish?
Turmeric adds an earthy flavor and a vibrant color to the squash-based sauce.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Are there any green vegetables in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of defrosted frozen peas.
Is the sage added all at once?
No, half of the minced sage is added with the spices, and the remaining half is folded in at the end.
What type of noodles are recommended?
You can use 1 lb of your favorite noodles, cooked according to package instructions.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce thickens as you stir the flour, squash puree, and milk together over heat for 3-5 minutes.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains a mild heat from 1/2 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes and 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder.
How much nutmeg is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Can I add butter to the finished dish?
Yes, you can optionally drizzle with olive oil or add a pat of butter for extra richness before serving.
How much total oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of oil for sautéing the aromatics.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One large onion should be diced before cooking.
Does this recipe use salt and pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and fresh ground black pepper, or to taste.
Is this a one-pot meal?
While the noodles are cooked separately, the turkey and sauce mixture is prepared in a single large skillet.
What flavor profile does the curry powder add?
The curry powder provides a subtle savory depth that complements the sweetness of the squash.
When should I add the peas?
Fold in the defrosted peas during the final step once the sauce has thickened.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh sage for a pop of color and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients listed in this recipe.