Creamy Tuscan Herb & Lemon Ground Turkey Cavatappi Pasta Recipe Pasta Chicken Recipes Dinner

Occasionally, I like to order those meal kit boxes. They're a great way to try new recipes and get new ideas for recipes. This easy Tuscan herb and lemon ground turkey cavatappi pasta recipe is one inspired by a really good meal from one of those kits.

This easy pasta recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prep and cook. Serve it with a salad or fresh vegetable. 

Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cavatappi pasta (or your favorite short pasta), cooked to al dente according to package directions (reserve 1 cup of the cooking water)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 - 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 - 2 tablespoons Tuscan spice blend or homemade Tuscan heat spice blend
• crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 4 green onions, chopped (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 - 2 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chicken base (I used Better Than Bouillon)
• 1 lemon, zested and quartered
• grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Here's how to make it: 

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the ground turkey, Tuscan spice blend and crushed red pepper flakes, to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
2. Add half of the green onions, garlic and the butter. Cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
3. Add 3/4 cups of the reserved pasta water and cooked pasta. Cook about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the chicken base, cream cheese and sour cream. Cook about 2 minutes. Add the juice from half the lemon (or more to taste), lemon zest and remaining green onions.
4. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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