Ground turkey pasta is a delicious, easy, and budget-friendly dinner idea perfect for any night of the week. Made with simple ingredients, this cheesy pasta is a hit with picky eaters and comes together in no time.
Whether you’re meal-prepping or looking for a quick family meal, this recipe is sure to please.
Creamy cheesy ground turkey pasta
Ground turkey pasta is a versatile and hearty meal that's a great alternative to traditional beef-based pasta dishes. With ground turkey as the star ingredient, this dish is lighter while still being packed with protein and flavor.
This and my one pot kielbasa pasta are my go-to recipes for those busy nights when I need something quick and satisfying
Ground Turkey pasta is a family friendly dinner that's packed full of flavor, one that's sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking to make another delicious pasta dish, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers every time.
Recipe Highlights
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
Picky Eater Approved: The cheesy, flavorful pasta is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family.
Budget-Friendly: Ground turkey is a cost-effective protein that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables, cheeses, and pasta types.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Onions
- Oil
- Garlic powder
- Cheddar cheese
- Heavy cream
- Honey
- Italian seasoning
- Curry powder
- Crushed Tomatoes
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Chicken Bouillon powder
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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Dutch oven
How to make ground turkey pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water then drain and set it aside. While the water in boiling to cook the pasta, start making the sauce.
In a skillet, sauté onions in oil, then add and brown the ground turkey. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, curry, rosemary, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken bouillon, add one cup of water and let it simmer for about mins.
Add heavy cream and cheese to create a creamy sauce. Combine the pasta with the sauce, adjust seasoning, and add the reserved pasta water if needed for consistency. Serve hot and garnish if desired.
Recipe variations
Ground Turkey Pesto Pasta: Swap the tomato sauce for a vibrant pesto, adding fresh basil and Parmesan for a zesty twist.
Ground Turkey Broccoli Pasta: Incorporate broccoli florets for a healthy, green addition, balancing the richness of the cheesy sauce.
Ground Turkey Alfredo Pasta: Go creamy with Alfredo sauce, combining the ground turkey with a rich, garlic-infused white sauce.
Ground Turkey Zucchini Pasta: For a lighter option, replace regular pasta with spiralized zucchini, keeping the dish low-carb yet satisfying.
What to serve with this recipe
You can serve ground turkey pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Garlic bread or a warm baguette complements the cheesy flavors and is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. We served ours with Garlic Parmesan bread sticks.
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help the sauce stay creamy.
Helpful Tips
- Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce, preventing a mushy texture.
- Ground turkey can be mild, so be sure to season the meat well while cooking to build layers of flavor.
- Feel free to try different short pasta shapes
FAQs
Yes! Ground turkey pasta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve, and it will taste just as delicious.
Ground chicken or beef works well in place of turkey if you prefer a different protein.
Yes, just swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free option, and the rest of the recipe remains the same.
More Pasta recipes we love
Ground turkey pasta is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need a reliable go-to dinner recipe, this dish delivers every time.
Try it tonight and see why it’s a one of our family favorites. If you do try it, don't forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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Ground turkey pasta recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta
- 1 lb Ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon Avocado oil
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 2 cups cheddar Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon curry powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dry rosemary (ground)
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon powder
- 15 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ tablespoon honey (optional but recommended)
- 1 ½ cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain and set aside.
- While the water is boiling start making the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions, breaking it up with a wooden spatula.
- Sprinkle in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, curry powder, dry rosemary, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the turkey and infuse it with flavor. Cook until ground turkey browned and cooked through.
- Pour in the crushed Tomatoes, honey, water and chicken Bouillon powder. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- When the sauce has reduced, Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, then add shredded cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it well in the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add the pasta water a little at a time, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta.
- Season the meat well while cooking to build layers of flavor.
- I used macaroni, feel free to try different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, shells etc.
