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Creamy Tomato Basil Turkey Skillet - A Cozy One-Pan Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1–1.25 pounds ground turkey (93% lean is ideal)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (14–15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3–1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon), optional but brightens the sauce

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon.
  2. Brown the turkey: Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer turkey to a plate and set aside.
  3. Soften aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the diced onion. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Toast the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. This deepens the flavor and takes away raw acidity.
  5. Build the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer and return turkey: Add the cooked turkey back to the pan. Stir and simmer 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce reduce slightly.
  7. Make it creamy: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it warm through 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is silky and lightly thickened.
  8. Finish with basil: Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped basil and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
  9. Serve: Spoon over hot pasta, rice, or your favorite base. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan if you’d like.