Rigatoni with Shiitake Meat Sauce

Posted bysprinkletwistPosted inEntrees, Healthy Comfort Food

I have to say, I think this is one of the best recipes I have ever made! I took a bite and my eyes lit up haha – it’s GOOD! A few keys to this recipe are 1) ground turkey thigh (do not use white meat, the flavor just wont’ be as good), 2) shiitake mushrooms, use them 3) the noodles…if you can get your hands on Isola Rigatoni, do it!

The below recipe serves 1-2 people (probably closer to 1.5 people to be honest, I would double for 2 and save the leftovers) – adjust accordingly!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion (yellow onion would work too)
  • 4 oz ground turkey thigh (I used the brand Diestel, which you can buy at Whole Foods)
  • 8 oz pasta sauce (I used Portabella Pasta Sauce from River Valley Ranch – linked here. I would recommend using a pasta sauce with mushrooms in it!)
  • 1 cup Rigatoni (I used Isola Rigatoni – linked here and I would highly recommend this brand! You can buy it at Whole Foods… the key is the large noodle size)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Grated cheese of choice (optional)
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Start by boiling your water for the pasta
  2. While water is boiling, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Once pan is HOT, add broccoli and cook for about two minutes. Add the onion and shiitake mushrooms to the pan and cook until broccoli is charred, and onions and mushrooms are soft (add a little salt if you would like!)
  3. Once water is boiling, add pasta and cook to package directions (the Isola Rigatoni cooks for 12 minutes) *I like to add a little salt to the pasta water right before I add the pasta
  4. Remove the veggies from the pan (I just put them in a bowl, and set to the side), and add the ground turkey thigh to the same pan. Cook turkey until almost cooked through, and the add the veggies back to the pan and continue to cook
  5. While pasta is cooking, carefully scoop out 1/4 cups of the pasta water and add to the pan with the veggies and the turkey (this keeps everything from sticking to the pan, and creates a thicker sauce), continue cooking over medium-low heat
  6. Once pasta is done cooking, drain the pasta and add directly to the pan with the veggies and turkey meat
  7. Add the sauce to the pan, and stir to combine
  8. Place your dish on a plate or bowl, grate cheese if desired and enjoy!

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