One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo
There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich and creamy pasta dish, particularly one that comes together in a single pot. One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo offers the perfect blend of flavors while keeping cleanup to a minimum. This recipe is designed not only to satisfy your cravings but also to be a wholesome meal option that the whole family will love. The combination of savory turkey sausage, vibrant roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach creates a colorful and delicious dish that is both nutritious and indulgent.
Top Reasons to Make One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Flavor Packed: The roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor that elevates the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Healthier Option: Using ground turkey and whole-wheat pasta makes this dish a healthier alternative to traditional Alfredo recipes.
- Quick and Convenient: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredient Rundown
To make this delicious One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian turkey sausage
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced small
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 16 ounces roasted red peppers, jarred, drained and pureed
- 12 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat, shredded Parmesan
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
Toolbox for This Recipe
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking all the ingredients together.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and preventing sticking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Blender or Food Processor: Necessary for pureeing the roasted red peppers.
One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo, Made Easy
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Puree
In a blender or food processor, combine the drained roasted red peppers with the skim milk and chicken broth. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the sausage and vegetables.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir in the whole-wheat penne pasta, ensuring it is completely submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cheeses
Once the pasta is cooked, add the fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and shredded Parmesan to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Substitutions by Category
- Meat: Substitute the ground turkey sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
- Dairy: Swap out the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-calorie alternative, or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
- Greens: Kale or arugula can be substituted for spinach to vary the flavors.
Pro Perspective
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
- To make this dish even creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end, but keep in mind this will increase the richness.
- Leftovers can be a delicious lunch option the next day—simply reheat and enjoy!
- If you’re a fan of creamy sauces, you might also enjoy recipes like Creamy Pesto Tomato Orzo Soup or Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Fettuccine.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
If you want to prepare your meals in advance, this One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo can be made ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Cook the sausage and vegetables as directed, then let the mixture cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- When you’re ready to eat, simply heat the mixture in a pot, add the liquids and pasta, and follow the remaining steps as outlined.
- You can also prepare the roasted red pepper puree ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Common Qs About One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo
Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?
Absolutely! Fresh roasted red peppers will add a wonderful depth of flavor. Just ensure they are peeled and seeded before pureeing.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the prepared dish. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a warm baguette.
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Let’s Eat
Get ready to dig into a bowl of deliciousness! This One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its vibrant colors. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you coming back for seconds. Enjoy this meal with family and friends, and don’t forget to share your experience!
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One Pot Turkey Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the drained roasted red peppers with the skim milk and chicken broth. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the sausage and vegetables.
- Stir in the whole-wheat penne pasta, ensuring it is completely submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, add the fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and shredded Parmesan to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed the next day.
