Caprese Pasta...with ground turkey

On certain nights, I love to cook off the cuff.  No recipe and using whatever I have in my pantry and fridge.  Last nights dinner was just that.  I had two tomatoes, an onion, garlic, a few fresh basil leaves, and half a log of fresh mozzarella cheese.

Two nights ago we had just cheese and crackers for dinner. We also had wine and caprese salad.  We actually haven't had pasta in a while so I wanted to make that while incorporating the 'caprese' ingredients.

Add all of that to ground turkey and you have a wonderful and filling meal!

I like impromptu nights.


Saturday, May 17th 2014

Dinner:  Caprese Pasta

-1 box of penne pasta or farfelle "bow tie" would be good for this { I used whole wheat }
-1 package of lean ground turkey
-2 tomatoes, diced
-1 yellow onion, diced
-3 cloves of garlic, minced
-1 can tomato paste
-salt
-pepper
-dash red pepper flakes
-fresh mozzarella, cubed
-fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
-olive oil

While pasta is cooking, cook the meat mixture.

In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, cook the turkey in some olive oil until well browned.  Add the onion, tomatoes, garlic,  salt, pepper, pepper flakes, and tomato paste.  Combine well. Once pasta is cooked through, drain and add turkey mixture to the pasta.  Serve and top with mozzarella chunks and chopped basil leaves.

So simple and so delicious!

Enjoy with a nice glass of red wine and relax.