There was a night last winter when I really needed a dinner win. It was a cold, busy evening, and my usual go-to meals felt too heavy. That’s when I reached for this ground turkey broccoli pasta. It has since become one of my favorite weeknight dishes because it’s dependable, quick, and surprisingly comforting. The lean ground turkey combined with fresh broccoli and pasta makes for a hearty and healthy turkey pasta skillet that’s easy to throw together without fussing over complicated steps.
What makes this ground turkey broccoli pasta really stand apart is how well it fits into real home cooking. It’s made with ingredients you likely already have, and it comes together in one pot or skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night. This is the kind of broccoli pasta recipe that delivers satisfying flavors without turning your kitchen into chaos. It’s a grounded meal that never fails to bring smiles to the table, whether it’s just the family of four or when friends drop by unexpectedly.
I love sharing this recipe with fellow home cooks because it shows that healthy turkey pasta can be both simple and delicious. It’s proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be a scramble or involve takeout to feel nourishing. I’m genuinely inviting you to try making this ground turkey broccoli pasta your next go-to. You’ll find it easy to adapt, easy to enjoy, and easy to trust to deliver a crowd-pleasing meal time and time again.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is perfect for this ground turkey broccoli pasta; no worries if you only have extra lean—just add a splash of olive oil when cooking)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work great, but any short pasta you like will do—cost-effective and available in the regular pasta aisle)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (frozen works in a pinch and saves prep time)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing the turkey and veggies)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder is a handy swap)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium if you want to keep it healthier)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds creaminess and flavor)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for a creamy finish without extra fat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Simple swaps work well in this ground turkey broccoli pasta. For instance, ground chicken can stand in for turkey if that’s what’s in your fridge. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, asparagus or green beans also make a lovely broccoli pasta recipe alternative. And if you’re low on Parmesan, shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of pecorino romano does its job nicely.
Shopping tip? Grab frozen broccoli if fresh looks worn or if you want to prep ahead. It’s budget-friendly and freezes well, which means you can keep this healthy turkey pasta option in your weekly rotation without worry. For speedy prep, I sometimes buy pre-minced garlic or pre-cut broccoli florets from the grocery store.
If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This ground turkey broccoli pasta reheats beautifully, so it’s great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
One little personal tweak I enjoy is adding an extra sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving. It brightens the flavors and adds a lovely richness to this ground turkey broccoli pasta.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package directions but stop a minute or two before it’s al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust consistency as needed. This is where multitasking comes in—you can chop your broccoli while the water heats and the pasta cooks.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a subtle heat. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left and it smells delicious.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. This step is where I used to rush, but taking your time here makes the flavors sing in this ground turkey broccoli pasta.
- Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir often, and let the broccoli soften slightly, about 4-5 minutes. If you’re using frozen broccoli, cover the skillet briefly to allow it to steam and heat through evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the drained pasta back into the skillet with the turkey-broccoli mixture.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until combined and creamy. If it looks thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your liking. This is where a little patience works wonders in the texture of this ground turkey broccoli pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. You want bright, balanced flavors—don’t be shy here.
From start to finish, this ground turkey broccoli pasta takes about 30 minutes. That’s just enough time to put your kitchen in order or prepare a simple salad on the side. The smell that fills your kitchen will cue the family to start setting the table—comfort in every bite.
If your ground turkey broccoli pasta looks like it might be dry, don’t worry! Adding reserved pasta water or a splash more broth helps smooth things out without losing flavor. Over multiple tries, I’ve found that careful timing between broiling and mixing saves this dish every time.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This ground turkey broccoli pasta is wonderful served just as it is for a complete and satisfying meal. However, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a bit of brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or simple dinner rolls also work well, soaking up those creamy turkey and broccoli flavors.
Because the dish is not too heavy, it fits nicely on menus for family dinners, casual get-togethers, and even cozy weeknight meals. This dish shines when you want something that feels like a home-cooked classic but comes together quickly.
For presentation, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and freshness.
If you find yourself with leftovers (which I hope you do), try this ground turkey broccoli pasta heated up as a tasty packed lunch or even stirred into scrambled eggs for a filling breakfast twist.
I’ve also experimented with adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end or tossing in some toasted pine nuts for added texture. Both are great seasonal adaptations to this broccoli pasta recipe.
Friends and family always comment on how comforting and filling this ground turkey broccoli pasta feels—perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a reliable, tasty ground turkey dinner.
Your Questions Answered:
- Can I make this ground turkey broccoli pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and tastes just as good reheated. Just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up when warming so it doesn’t dry out. - What’s a good substitute for Greek yogurt in this ground turkey broccoli pasta?
Sour cream or cream cheese works nicely if you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand. They add a creamy tang that complements the turkey and broccoli well. - How do I adjust this ground turkey broccoli pasta for more people?
Double the ingredients for larger crowds—you might need a bigger skillet or pot to cook everything comfortably. Just watch your seasoning, and adjust broth and cheese amounts accordingly. - Can I swap ground turkey for another protein?
Yes! Ground chicken or lean beef are good swaps. For a vegetarian option, try a plant-based ground meat alternative and skip the turkey entirely. - Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Definitely. Frozen broccoli is convenient and budget-friendly. Just give it a little extra time to cook and cover the pan to help it steam through. - Can I make this a one pot turkey pasta meal?
For sure! You can cook the pasta right in the skillet with broth and turkey, adding broccoli towards the end for a true one pot turkey pasta experience. Just increase broth slightly. - How do I keep the pasta from sticking to the skillet?
Make sure to stir often, especially when combining pasta with the sauce. The reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce, which keeps the pasta from clumping.
If you love this ground turkey broccoli pasta, your family might also enjoy my honey garlic ground turkey recipe or my stuffed peppers with ground turkey—both reliable and full of flavor for easy weeknight meals. For more tasty turkey pasta skillet ideas, check out this easy ground turkey pasta broccoli dinner from Dizzy Busy and Hungry, the ground turkey and broccoli pasta recipe from iFoodReal.com, and plenty of inspiration at Ground Turkey Pasta with Broccoli.
Final Thoughts:
This ground turkey broccoli pasta has earned a spot in my recipe box for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between healthy and hearty, simple and delicious. It’s one of those dinners that’s easy to make on busy nights but feels like you’ve really cared for your family.
My Best ground turkey broccoli pasta Tips:
- Don’t rush cooking the turkey—browning it nicely adds depth of flavor.
- Save pasta water to adjust your sauce consistency—it’s a game changer for creamy results.
- Use fresh garlic when you can; it makes a big difference in taste.
I’ve tested this recipe with variations like adding sun-dried tomatoes, swapping in different cheeses, and trying whole wheat pasta with great results. The version that gets requested most, though, is the classic broccoli and Parmesan blend—simple, satisfying, and always well-received.
I hope this ground turkey broccoli pasta becomes your kitchen’s trusted companion as it is mine. Give yourself the gift of a dinner that’s wholesome, tasty, and ready to come together quickly. Happy cooking, friend! If you’re interested in more recipes, don’t miss my ground turkey pasta, honey garlic ground turkey, and ground turkey stuffed peppers recipes for even more family favorites your home will love.
ground turkey broccoli pasta
This ground turkey broccoli pasta is a healthy and flavorful dish combining lean protein and fresh vegetables with tender pasta for a quick weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Stir in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.