Rockin’ Recipes: Fresh Veggie and Ground Turkey Pasta Arrabbiata

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Like most children I know, our kids could eat pasta every single day and not tire of it. Pasta is a staple in our household, and my “go-to” meal when I don’t want to make something elaborate or it’s time for a grocery run. By incorporating a low-fat protein, such as ground turkey breast, and some veggies, I can achieve a complete meal.

Since I’m always looking for a unique way to serve this household favorite, I decided to come up with a recipe that not only incorporates fresh veggies and a lean protein source, but has a bit of a spicy kick. My husband and I LOVE a good pasta arrabbiata and this one we created is flavorful, healthy, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh ground turkey breast

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 carrot, sliced

2 cloves garlic

salt and pepper

1 jar Ragu sauce (I recommend Garden Veggie or Tomato& Basil)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Whole wheat Linguini

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, peppers, carrots, and garlic until soft. Add turkey breast and cook until heated to 165 degrees F using a meat thermometer. Add sauce and red pepper. Serve atop whole wheat linguini and adorned with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Kid option: Omit the red pepper flakes and use shells or wheels since kids love pastas in various shapes.

Vegan option: Omit the ground turkey breast and substitute vegan mozzarella cheese for the Parmesan cheese.

This month’s dinnertime topic is on the subject of kids and how they behave at home v. other places during mealtimes. In our family, our children’s behavior, particularly during dinner, primarily depends on how hungry and tired they are. I will say that if we’re at a restaurant, I know that I’m likely going to be struggling with at least one of my kids, who either wants to run around or get into something he/she is not supposed to. On the contrary, if we’re having dinner at someone’s house and they have children, very often my own kids will be on their best behavior, particularly if they enjoy spending time with that family and want to return at a later time. Want to weigh in? Just visit the Facebook page!

Disclosure: This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador in the Ragú® Mom’s the Word on Dinner Program. Visit www.facebook.com/ragusauce to join the conversation.

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.