Turkey and Veggie Pasta Bake
I know I’ve mentioned a lot of my “go-to” recipes but this is the one! I make this a lot when we have company over, if I am making dinner for another family or per my husband’s request. It has become one of my favorites because it is so easy and so good! It has lots of nutrients and fiber since it includes tomatoes, bell pepper, mushrooms, carrots, and kale. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is an anti-inflammatory nutrient and has been shown to reduce skin aging and increase sun protection. Bell Peppers are also high in vitamin C, with one serving providing over 100% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin C has been shown to improve immune function. Mushrooms are high in fiber and nutrients that have been shown to improve cognitive health and gut health. Carrots are highly nutritious. They not only contain beta carotene, as described in previous posts but also contain biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and potassium. Since they include these vitamins and minerals carrots have been shown to be good for weight loss, energy, bone health, and blood pressure control. Kale is also highly nutrient dense. It contains vitamins A, K, C, and B6, potassium, calcium, copper, and manganese and it has been shown to strengthen bones and your immune system. To sum all of that up, this pasta bake is packed with immune boosting, nutrient dense foods.
Recipe Notes
If possible try to choose all organic ingredients for this recipe. If you would like to learn more about why organic is important, check out my previous post titled “The #1 reason my family eats organic foods”.
When choosing a pasta, look for something other than a traditional white flour pasta. During the production process of white flour pasta, nutrients are stripped away from the wheat that is used, leaving the pasta void of nutrition. Then nutrients can be added back in, but most times they are synthetic forms. Better pasta options include brands that are 100% whole wheat, chickpea, lentil or veggie noodles. My favorite is the organic red lentil rotini from Tolerant Foods.
For pasta sauce, make sure to read the ingredient label. It is best to try and pick something that is organic and only includes whole foods and spices. Try to stay away from preservatives like citric acid and additional sugars. My current favorite is Paesana organic tomato and basil pasta sauce. Keep in mind these same items when choosing a canned, jarred or boxed crushed tomato option.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope all of this information was helpful and will help you and your family lead a more nourished life! Enjoy!
Turkey and Veggie Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 package organic ground turkey
- 1 chopped organic bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped organic mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped organic kale, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup shredded organic carrot
- 1 jar organic pasta sauce
- 1 can crushed organic tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons organic balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon organic honey
- 1 teaspoon organic dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon organic dried basil
- ½ a tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon organic garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon organic onion powder
- ½ a teaspoon organic paprika
- 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
- 16 oz organic pasta
- 1 cup shredded organic cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Brown meat over medium heat in a large skillet. Using a utensil, break meat apart until it is in small pieces.
- Once meat is cooked add all spices and mix together and let cook for about a minute.
- Place all veggies in with the meat and mix until well combined.
- Turn heat down to low and add pasta sauce and tomatoes along with honey, balsamic and olive oil.
- Let sauce simmer on low for about 30 minutes.
- Cook pasta per package instructions.
- Place cooked pasta in a baking dish and top with sauce, mix together then top with cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10-15 minutes at 375.
Notes
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics it is not recommended to feed babies solid foods before 6 months of age.