Cellentani pasta, with its charming twisted shape, perfectly catches the hearty ground turkey tomato sauce, delivering a comforting and well-balanced meal. This dish is an ideal weeknight dinner that combines wholesome ingredients with classic Italian flavors, all in one satisfying bowl.
Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe is simple to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of any skill level. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed meal or a cozy dinner option, the savory tomato ragu with lean ground turkey elevates the dish with fresh herbs and just the right seasoning. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for an inviting, home-cooked experience.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz cellentani pasta
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1 lb ground turkey
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cellentani pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
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Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
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Toss the cooked cellentani pasta with the turkey tomato sauce until well coated.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Comfort in a Bowl: Cellentani Pasta with Ground Turkey and Tomato Sauce
In the bustling rhythm of everyday life, we often seek meals that strike the perfect balance between comfort, nutrition, and ease of preparation. The Cellentani Pasta with Ground Turkey and Tomato Sauce recipe from The European Dish is one such gem a hearty, family-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed. While the preparation is simple, the dish offers layers of cultural and culinary depth worth savoring.
This article explores the background, culinary tips, variations, and appeal of this delicious European-inspired pasta dish, perfect for weeknights or whenever you need a warm, comforting plate of food.
A Mediterranean-Inspired Weeknight Favorite
This recipe draws heavily from Mediterranean cooking traditions, offering a lighter, health-conscious version of the classic pasta and meat sauce combination. By replacing ground beef with lean ground turkey, the meal not only lowers the fat content but also provides a fresh and mild base that lets the tomato sauce and aromatics shine.
At its core, the dish is built on three primary elements: Cellentani pasta, ground turkey, and Sicilian tomato sauce. Each of these components plays a role in bringing both nutrition and authenticity to the table.
The Charm of Cellentani Pasta
Cellentani pasta is more than just a fun shape it’s a culinary tool in its own right. Known for its corkscrew spiral and tubular center, Cellentani is engineered to hold onto sauces, ensuring each bite is evenly coated with the savory tomato mixture.
Manufactured and popularized in Europe by the Barilla brand, Cellentani is often mistaken for its cousin, Cavatappi. While the two pastas are similar in function and nutritional content, Cellentani tends to have a slightly tighter spiral and a more defined tube, making it ideal for rich sauces and hearty meals.
Because of its form, Cellentani is also a favorite for baked dishes, cold pasta salads, and comfort food classics like macaroni and cheese. Its versatility makes it a staple in many European households, and it’s the perfect base for this Mediterranean-leaning recipe.
A Closer Look at the Protein: Lean Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is an increasingly popular alternative to beef and pork, especially among health-conscious home cooks. At around 160 calories per 100 grams (as noted by the original author), it provides a lean source of protein without sacrificing texture.
In this dish, the turkey is sautéed with onions and then gently simmered in tomato sauce, allowing it to absorb flavor while staying moist. Because turkey is milder than beef, it pairs beautifully with herbs, spices, and the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, offering a flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshingly light.
This protein choice also contributes to the meal’s kid-friendly status. With fewer intense flavors and no heavy greasiness, children tend to find it more palatable, making it a go-to family dinner.
The Heart of the Dish: Sicilian Tomato Sauce
No Mediterranean dish is complete without a standout tomato sauce, and this one uses a Sicilian-style version rich with olives and seasonal produce. Whether store-bought or homemade, this sauce is layered with sun-ripened tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and briny olives that add a burst of umami.
Sicilian tomato sauces are known for being vibrant and slightly rustic, often including regional ingredients like capers, olives, and chili flakes. In this recipe, the olives contribute a Mediterranean complexity that offsets the lightness of the turkey.
For those opting to make the sauce from scratch, the author suggests exploring a homemade Sicilian tomato sauce recipe available on the site. This version incorporates fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and olives, offering an extra dimension of freshness and depth that elevates the entire dish.
Kitchen Tips: Making the Dish Shine
Though simple, the recipe benefits from a few thoughtful cooking techniques:
1. Sautéing Onions in Olive Oil
Starting with sautéed onions is a classic European base. The process builds aromatic depth that forms the foundation of the dish’s flavor. Using extra virgin olive oil not only enhances taste but aligns with the health-conscious, Mediterranean ethos.
2. Thickening the Tomato Sauce
Depending on whether a jarred or homemade sauce is used, you might find the texture too thin for pasta. A helpful tip shared by the original author involves a roux-like technique: mix flour and olive oil in a saucepan until it browns slightly, then add the tomato sauce. Letting it simmer for 5–10 minutes ensures a thicker consistency that clings to every spiral of pasta.
3. Seasoning Pasta Water
An essential but often overlooked step: salting the water. This infuses the pasta with flavor from within. Avoiding oil in the pasta water is also crucial while oil might prevent sticking, it also prevents the sauce from adhering properly to the noodles.
Variations and Adaptations
One of the strengths of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can adapt it to suit dietary preferences, available ingredients, or flavor experiments. Here are some creative variations:
1. Vegetarian Version
Replace the ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. The umami-rich tomato and olive sauce complements plant proteins just as well.
2. Cheesy Finish
While the base recipe doesn’t include cheese, a light dusting of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano at the end can elevate the dish with a sharp, salty finish.
3. Add Vegetables
Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to the sauté for extra nutrients and color. Simply toss them in with the onions or turkey depending on their cooking time.
4. Spicy Kick
If you enjoy heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili to the tomato sauce. A hint of spice complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the olives.
5. Different Pasta Shapes
Though Cellentani is ideal for this recipe, the dish works with other pasta types like Penne, Fusilli, or even Tagliatelle. The key is choosing a shape that holds sauce well.
Why This Dish Works
The success of this meal lies in its balance. It’s hearty but not heavy, flavorful yet not fussy. The combination of well-loved ingredients pasta, tomato sauce, ground meat provides comfort and familiarity. Yet small European twists, like the choice of pasta and Sicilian-inspired sauce, give it distinction and character.
Moreover, the recipe is designed for real-life schedules. With a prep and cook time of under 40 minutes, it’s manageable even on the busiest weeknights. The use of pantry staples and common grocery items makes it accessible, while its kid-friendly profile ensures it’s a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Conclusion:
The Cellentani Pasta with Ground Turkey and Tomato Sauce recipe from The European Dish isn’t just another quick dinner it’s a thoughtful nod to traditional Mediterranean cooking, adapted for modern needs. With its beautiful texture, nutritional value, and bold yet balanced flavors, this pasta dish has all the makings of a weeknight classic.
Whether you’re cooking for children, guests, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers. It encourages you to appreciate simple ingredients, play with flavors, and enjoy the satisfaction that only a homemade meal can bring. So the next time you’re wondering what to do with that pack of ground turkey in your fridge, this comforting, corkscrew-twirled delight might be the answer.