Creamy Parmesan & Turkey Penne

This Creamy Parmesan and Turkey Penne recipe, my friends, is a keeper and you will be forever grateful that I shared it with you.

Obviously I hope you try many of my turkey recipes on this blog, but if you pick only one or two to get you started, please pick this one. Especially right now during the winter months – it’s so creamy and hearty and full of yummy cheesiness.

I know I use the phrase “comfort food” a lot when I talk about food and share recipes. It’s true – I would pick a recipe with pasta and cheese over anything with kale and quinoa in it. I know this about myself and I completely own it. (Full disclosure: this is also why I make sure I schedule in time for workouts as often as I can. I run to eat delicious food – and drink wine.) 

I own up to that, as well.

So back to this penne pasta dish. Here’s how I knew it would be a keeper the very first time I made it:

1. Teacher Man took one bite – one bite! – and said immediately, “Wow. This is really good.” Now, he’s not a picky eater by any means, but he does not exhibit the same, shall we say, passion for pasta and cheese that I do. I knew instantly that I had hit upon a very good recipe.
2. I posted a picture on Facebook of the dish right before I put it in the oven to bake, and I received multiple comments from people who wanted the recipe – some who never ever comment on a food post, and they hadn’t even seen how beautiful this looks after it bakes. (All that golden, bubbly deliciousness!) I think we all must love a little comfort food this time of year.

Three cheeses, penne noodles, alfredo sauce … and ground turkey. Nothing complicated, but together, it’s amazing. I think I might make this once a week. 😉

Enjoy – and let me know what you think!

Lara

Can I make this ahead?

You absolutely can! Put it all together the night before, store in the refrigerator and bake it the next day.

Can I substitute ground beef?

Yes. Just make sure you drain the excess fat after browning the ground beef.

Instant Pot Creamy Parmesan & Turkey Penne

This is my go-to creamy pasta recipe - now for the Instant Pot! It's flavorful comfort food that everyone loves.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 16-ounce package penne pasta
• 1 16-ounce package JENNIE-O® Extra Lean Ground Turkey
• 1 cup diced red or white onion
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 14.5-ounce jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup sour cream Use full-fat if you can for better flavor
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 6 slices Provolone cheese

Instructions

 

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Set Instant Pot to "saute" and add olive oil.
• Add onion and saute 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground turkey and mushrooms and cook 5-6 minutes until turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.
• Add dry pasta, Alfredo sauce and 2 cups of water to cover the penne pasta.
• Put the cover on the Instant Pot and set to "manual" for 5 minutes. Once done, do a quick release.
• Add sour cream and cheeses and stir together until cheeses are melted.
• Spray 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Add penne and turkey mixture to the baking dish and top with Provolone cheese.
• Bake 20 minutes or until cheese is fully melted on top.

Notes

Adapted from Jennie-O Turkey Store

Keyword creamy penne, ground turkey recipe, Instant Pot recipe

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