Creamy Turkey Pasta Bolognese with Hidden Veggies and Cheesy Garlic Bread

This creamy turkey pasta bolognese is the ultimate comfort food with a hidden veggie boost. Tender cavatappi noodles are tossed in a rich, creamy marinara sauce with ground turkey, carrots and zucchini. The Tuscan spice blend adds warmth and depth, while the cheesy garlic bread on the side makes every bite irresistible.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan pasta comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients. The veggies are finely chopped so even the pickiest eaters won’t notice them. Serve it up with a sprinkle of Parmesan and chili flakes for a little kick.

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Ingredients

2 unit Demi-BaguetteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce ParsleyView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

9 ounce Cavatappi PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Tuscan Heat SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

20 ounce Ground TurkeyView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6.75 ounce MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

14 ounce Marinara CupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Garlic Herb ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it. Halve the baguettes lengthwise. Peel and finely chop the carrots. Roughly chop the parsley. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise, then slice into thin triangles.
2. Add the cavatappi to the boiling water and cook until al dente, 9-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the carrots, zucchini and 1½ teaspoons of Tuscan Heat Spice. Cook, tossing, until browned, 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Heat another drizzle of olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and remaining Tuscan Heat Spice, breaking up the meat. Cook until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the milk and chicken stock concentrate. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, 1-3 minutes. Return the vegetables to the pan and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer gently.
5. Spread the garlic herb butter onto the cut sides of the baguettes. Place them buttered side up on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Toast in the oven until light golden, 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle up to ⅓ of the Parmesan cheese over the bread. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
6. Add the cream cheese, half of the remaining Parmesan and the cooked cavatappi to the pan with the turkey mixture. Stir until warmed through, 2-3 minutes. Divide among bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, parsley and chili flakes to taste. Serve with the garlic bread on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli or rigatoni works well in this recipe.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk, cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives and substitute the garlic herb butter with olive oil and garlic.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, the pasta bolognese freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.