ground turkey with pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ground turkey with pasta recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: ground turkey with pasta. This dish is a staple in our household, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. I love how easy it is to make, and the best part is that everyone in the family enjoys it.

My kids are always asking for seconds, and my husband even requests it for his lunchbox the next day. The combination of flavors and textures is just right – the ground turkey adds a nice richness, while the pasta provides a satisfying base. And let’s not forget about the health benefits: this dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Plus, using lean ground turkey makes it a guilt-free option for those looking to reduce their meat intake. To make this recipe, you’ll need some basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme and oregano. I also like to add some garlic for extra flavor.

Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, simply cook the pasta according to package instructions, then set it aside while you brown the ground turkey in a large skillet. Add your favorite seasonings to taste, then combine everything together in a big bowl. Finally, top it all off with some grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

This recipe is truly a winner – give it a try and see why it’s been a family favorite for so long!

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

4.6 from 1588 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring ground turkey, pasta and a rich tomato sauce. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to please the whole family.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz (225g) pasta

For the Turkey Mixture

1 lb (450g) ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat from the skillet.
7Add diced onion to the skillet with the ground turkey.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
9Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
10Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
11Stir well to combine and reduce heat to low.
12Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
13Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the turkey mixture.
14Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
15Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is well coated and heated through.
16Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
17Transfer the pasta and turkey mixture to a baking dish.
18Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
19Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
20Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
21This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Pasta pot
Colander
Mixing spoon
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For added vegetables, feel free to mix in some spinach or bell peppers with the onions. You can also customize the seasoning to your liking, adding red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Ground Turkey Pasta Bake Works

This ground turkey with pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

It’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings.

Plus, using lean ground turkey makes it a guilt-free option for those looking to reduce their meat intake.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a short-shaped pasta like penne or rotini. These types of pasta hold onto the sauce perfectly and won’t get mushy when cooked.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Sure! Ground beef will work just as well in this recipe as ground turkey does. Just be aware that it will add more fat and calories than the leaner ground turkey.

Q: How do I store leftover ground turkey with pasta?

Store leftover ground turkey with pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

Q: Can I reheat this dish safely?

Yes! Reheat cooked ground turkey with pasta to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Q: What are some good side dish ideas to serve with this recipe?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots are great options to round out your meal.

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