Name: Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 10 oz jar roasted red peppers, drained (300 mL; approximately 1 cup); ½ cup cherry tomatoes; 1 clove garlic; ¼ cup almonds; 2 tablespoons red vinegar; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 slice bread, torn into pieces; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 oz linguine, uncooked; 1 lb lean ground turkey; 1 zucchini, spiralized (approx. 4-6 cups); Parmesan cheese, to taste

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If you are searching for a vibrant, wholesome dish packed with flavor yet ready in a flash, then this Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe marries tender ground turkey and al dente linguine with a smoky, nutty Spanish romesco sauce bursting with roasted red peppers and garlic. It’s a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels a little special but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to something tasty and filling, this dish nails comfort and elegance all in one bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a blender jar filled with a thick, orange-red sauce that has a smooth yet slightly chunky texture. The sauce is evenly spread inside the clear blender jar with visible small bits, giving it a rich and fresh appearance. The jar is positioned against a white marbled background, enhancing the vibrant color of the sauce. The sauce fills about half of the jar, with some sauce splashes seen on the sides of the jar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the juicy burst from cherry tomatoes, the smoky undertones from paprika, or the crunch and richness from almonds. Here’s everything you need to bring this dish to life:

10 oz jar roasted red peppers: These lend a smoky sweetness that forms the heart of the romesco sauce.
½ cup cherry tomatoes: Fresh and tangy, they add brightness and body to the sauce.
1 clove garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch that wakes up the flavors.
¼ cup almonds: Provide nuttiness and a subtle crunch, making the sauce uniquely textured.
2 tablespoons red vinegar: Adds the perfect amount of acidity to balance the dish.
¼ cup olive oil: A silky base that brings everything together smoothly.
1 slice bread (torn into pieces): Helps thicken the sauce and adds lovely body.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: The smoky spice that lends classic romesco character.
4 oz linguine (uncooked): A sturdy pasta that holds up well to the sauce and other ingredients.
1 lb lean ground turkey: A lean, protein-rich meat that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
1 zucchini (spiralized to 4-6 cups): Adds freshness, crunch, and extra veggies in a fun shape.
Parmesan cheese to taste: A salty, savory finish that’s pure indulgence.

How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Romesco Sauce

Start by blending together the roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, garlic, almonds, red vinegar, olive oil, torn bread, salt, and smoked paprika until you get a smooth, rich sauce. This base is where all the flavors build, so make sure your blender gets everything perfectly combined.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is resting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine according to the package instructions. The pasta should be al dente, offering a nice bite that complements the tender turkey and crisp zucchini.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Continue cooking until no pink remains, which takes about 7 to 10 minutes. This step ensures the meat is perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the saucy goodness.

Step 4: Sauté the Spiralized Zucchini

Add the spiralized zucchini to the pan with the cooked turkey. Using tongs, gently move it around and cook for about 3 minutes. This keeps the zucchini slightly crisp, preventing it from becoming mushy and adding a fresh, light texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Meat, Zucchini, and Sauce

Add the drained, cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it with the turkey and zucchini until everything is evenly mixed. Then pour the prepared romesco sauce over the top and toss gently to coat every strand and bite in that smoky, nutty richness.

Step 6: Serve with Parmesan Cheese

Finish by sprinkling with your favorite Parmesan cheese for a salty, creamy touch that elevates each mouthful. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor harmony.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce Recipe

A close-up of a white pan filled with two layers of spiral noodles, one bright yellow and one green, mixed together with small bits of light brown cooked meat and sprinkled with fine white grated cheese on top; a pair of black tongs is lifting a twisted bunch of the noodles above the pan, showing their soft and slightly shiny texture, all set on a white marbled surface; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few basil leaves right before serving to add a pop of green freshness and aroma. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few toasted almonds on top can also create a lovely, rustic presentation with added texture.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten your plate. Crunchy garlic bread or a crusty baguette can round out the meal, perfect for soaking up any leftover romesco sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests visually. You can also layer the sauce and pasta in a clear glass dish as a striking centerpiece, showcasing the gorgeous red color of the romesco sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a few hours, making it a great option for next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the zucchini may soften more after thawing, but the dish will still be delicious once reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. Stir well to combine and warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully, you can substitute penne, spaghetti, or even fusilli depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, skip the ground turkey and add extra veggies like mushrooms, eggplant, or chickpeas for protein. The romesco sauce is naturally vegetarian and full of flavor.

How spicy is the romesco sauce?

This romesco sauce is mildly smoky with a subtle hint of spice from smoked paprika. If you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I prepare the romesco sauce in advance?

Definitely. The romesco sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and its flavors actually become more developed overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead component.

What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini if I don’t have a spiralizer?

If you don’t own a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of zucchini or cut the zucchini into thin matchstick-sized strips. They will still cook quickly and blend nicely with the pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make on repeat. It strikes the perfect balance of smoky, savory, fresh, and satisfying all at once, and the fact that it’s so simple to prepare makes it impossible to resist. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!