Spicy Cajun Turkey Pasta Skillet
Elevate your dinner game with this Spicy Cajun Turkey Pasta Skillet, a one-pan dish that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table in less than 30 minutes. This hearty meal combines lean ground turkey, vibrant red bell peppers, and creamy cheeseburger macaroni, all infused with zesty Cajun seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is simple yet delicious, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Bring the family together for a delightful dinner experience full of flavor and comfort.
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground turkey
1 lb (raw)
red bell pepper
1 small (1/2 cup) (chopped)
Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons (none)
hot water
2 cups (boiled)
milk
1 cup (none)
Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni
1 (7 oz) box (uncooked)
shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese
1 cup (4 oz) (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook the ground turkey and chopped red bell pepper over medium-high heat. Stir frequently until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the Cajun seasoning, hot water, and milk to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3
Stir in the uncooked pasta and sauce mix from the Hamburger Helper box. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 13 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
5
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for about 2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
30g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Cajun Turkey Pasta Skillet?
It is a one-pan dish that combines lean ground turkey, red bell peppers, and cheeseburger macaroni pasta infused with bold Cajun seasoning.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be completed in less than 30 minutes.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is a skillet recipe that uses only one pan for minimal cleanup.
What type of meat is used in this skillet?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground turkey.
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
While the recipe specifies lean ground turkey, you can substitute it with ground beef or ground chicken if preferred.
What kind of pasta mix is required?
The recipe uses one 7 oz box of Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni.
How much Cajun seasoning is added?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
It uses 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese for extra flavor and spice.
Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?
No, the pasta is added uncooked and simmers directly in the skillet with the sauce.
What liquids are needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 cups of hot water and 1 cup of milk.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 360 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 24g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 14g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size skillet should I use?
A 10-inch nonstick skillet is recommended for this recipe.
How long should I cook the turkey?
Cook the turkey and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat from the turkey?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after browning the turkey and peppers.
How long does the pasta need to simmer?
The pasta should simmer for 13 to 15 minutes until tender and the sauce has thickened.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low to simmer.
Do I need to cover the skillet?
Yes, cover the skillet while the pasta simmers and again when melting the cheese.
How do I melt the cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for about 2 minutes until melted.
What kind of bell pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 small red bell pepper, which is approximately 1/2 cup chopped.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it features zesty Cajun seasoning and Monterey Jack pepper cheese for a spicy kick.
Can I add more vegetables to this skillet?
Yes, you can easily add other vegetables like onions or jalapeños when browning the turkey.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food meal due to its hearty and cheesy nature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, if you want less spice, you can use regular Monterey Jack or mild cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe is a standard skillet size, typically serving 4 to 5 people.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, because it is a quick one-pan meal that takes less than 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.