Family Baked Short Pasta with Tomato Turkey, Roasted Broccoli and Creamy Lemon Ricotta Topping

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. 2

   2. Place the broccoli on a sheet pan and toss with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F until tender with browned edges. Set aside.

3. 3

   3. Meanwhile, cook the short pasta in a large pot of boiling water with part of the salt for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening.

4. 4

   4. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30 seconds.

5. 5

   5. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with the remaining salt and black pepper.

6. 6

   6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is thick but still saucy. If it becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water.

7. 7

   7. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the lemon zest, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the chopped fresh basil.

8. 8

   8. Reduce the oven temperature to 200 °C / 400 °F. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the turkey sauce and roasted broccoli until evenly mixed.

9. 9

   9. Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the top and gently spread it to create an uneven creamy layer. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

10. 10

    10. Bake at 200 °C / 400 °F for 18 to 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden in spots. For extra color, broil for 2 minutes, watching closely.

11. 11

    11. Let rest for 8 minutes before serving. Finish with more fresh basil if desired.