Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Facts

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey extra lean
• 3 cups (10 oz) whole wheat penne/fusilli pasta uncooked
• 4 - 5 cups kale stems removed & chopped
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
• 1 tbsp oregano dried
• 1 tsp rosemary dried
• 1 tsp basil dried
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 28 oz tomato sauce low sodium
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup pasta water
• 2 cups 6 oz mozzarella cheese shredded & divided
• 1/3 cup Italian parsley chopped
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

• Step 1: Cook pasta al dente as per package instructions, undercooking by 4 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
• Step 2: In the meanwhile, preheat large skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add oregano, rosemary, basil, pinch of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring a few times. Add ground turkey and cook for another 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into pieces and stirring occasionally.
• Step 3: Add tomato sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar and pasta water. Stir, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Add kale and stir to combine.
• Step 4: Now add cooked pasta and stir to combine more.
• Step 5: Transfer half of the mixture in previously prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Add remaining pasta meat mixture and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Step 6: Remove from the oven, let stand for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley and serve hot.