Creamy Turkey Zucchini Mac & Cheese Bake
Indulge in this comforting Creamy Turkey Zucchini Mac & Cheese Bake, a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This dish combines the rich flavors of lean ground turkey and a creamy Alfredo sauce with the freshness of zucchini and aromatic basil. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious. With the added crunch of golden breadcrumbs and the savory taste of Romano cheese, every bite promises to be a treat. Ideal for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without compromising on health!
5
Servings
700
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni
1 cup (uncooked)
Lean Ground Turkey
1 lb (cooked, crumbled)
Garlic Pepper Seasoning
3/4 teaspoon (blend)
Zucchini
3 medium (chopped (about 3 cups))
Fresh Basil
2 tablespoons (chopped or 2 teaspoons dried)
Low-Fat Alfredo Sauce
10 ounces (refrigerated)
Italian Style Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for topping)
Grated Romano Cheese
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Margarine or Butter
1 teaspoon (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 2-1/2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
3
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey together with the garlic pepper seasoning, stirring frequently for about 6-8 minutes or until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
5
Stir in the cooked macaroni, chopped zucchini, fresh or dried basil, and the entire container of Alfredo sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
In a small bowl, combine the Italian style breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, and melted margarine or butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well-coated.
8
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
56g
Carbs
44g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Creamy Turkey Zucchini Mac & Cheese Bake?
The main protein in this dish is lean ground turkey.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How many zucchinis are needed?
You will need 3 medium zucchinis, which is approximately 3 cups when chopped.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for this bake.
How long should the casserole be baked?
The casserole should be baked for 30 to 40 minutes or until hot and bubbling.
What kind of sauce provides the creaminess in this dish?
This recipe uses a 10-ounce container of refrigerated low-fat Alfredo sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 700 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 44 grams of protein per serving.
What seasoning is used for the turkey?
The turkey is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of garlic pepper seasoning.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh basil with 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping is made from Italian style breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, and melted margarine or butter.
What size casserole dish should be used?
A 2-1/2 quart casserole dish is recommended.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 26 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
One serving contains 56 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the macaroni be cooked before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, the elbow macaroni should be cooked until al dente and drained before mixing.
How long does it take to cook the ground turkey?
The turkey should be cooked for 6-8 minutes until browned.
What type of cheese is used in the breadcrumb mixture?
Grated Romano cheese is used for the topping.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with nonstick cooking spray.
How much margarine or butter is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of melted margarine or butter.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
What preparation is required for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much breadcrumbs are needed for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of Italian style breadcrumbs.
What are some tags for this recipe?
Tags include turkey, macaroni, cheese, alfredo, poultry, and comfort food.
Does this recipe include any fresh herbs?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil.
What should the topping look like when finished?
The topping should be golden brown when the bake is finished.
Is the Alfredo sauce low-fat?
Yes, the recipe specifies low-fat Alfredo sauce.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What type of turkey is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of lean ground turkey.