I still remember the first time this Ground Turkey Pasta saved my weeknight dinner. It was one of those hectic evenings when nothing in the fridge seemed to pair well for a quick meal. I had some ground turkey and pasta on hand, and I figured I’d throw them together for something simple and satisfying. My family’s reaction? Instant approval. They called it a new favorite, which was a huge win because picky eaters weren’t just eating—it was disappearing fast from their plates!
This Ground Turkey Pasta fits perfectly into real home cooking because it uses straightforward ingredients you likely have nearby. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a comfy, warm hug after a long day but without any complicated steps or weird ingredients. Sometimes, weeknights aren’t about fancy meals—they’re about reliable, tasty recipes that come together quickly and please everyone at the table.
What makes this dish worth making? For me, it’s the balance of flavors and textures—juicy turkey meat cooked just right, combined with a sauce that isn’t too heavy but still fills the kitchen with that cozy aroma. On top of that, it’s a healthier alternative to heavier pasta dishes, making it a go-to for when we want low-fat pasta dishes without sacrificing taste. Plus, this dish is versatile enough that you can adjust the sauce into a ground turkey Bolognese or keep it light with a simple tomato base.
If you’re looking for healthy turkey pasta recipes that won’t let you down or easy weeknight pasta with turkey that your family will actually ask for again, this recipe has your name on it. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, I invite you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s straightforward, dependable, and truly delicious. Ready to dig into one of my most trusted ground turkey pasta dishes? Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what makes this Ground Turkey Pasta both tasty and easy to pull together:
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is my favorite for flavor and lower fat)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your go-to pasta shape, found in the regular pasta aisle)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works fine too)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (look for no added sugar for a healthier turkey pasta sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (adds moisture without extra fat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, great for topping)
No worries if you don’t have oregano—you can swap it for Italian seasoning or even a pinch of rosemary. If fresh garlic isn’t on hand, garlic powder will do in a pinch. This Ground Turkey Pasta keeps costs reasonable because turkey is usually budget-friendly compared to beef, and simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes and pasta are always accessible.
If you want to save time on chopping, pre-minced garlic and bagged frozen onions work well here. And here’s a little prep shortcut: cook your pasta while you brown the turkey—multitasking for the win!
Leftovers? Store any extra Ground Turkey Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It typically keeps well for 3 to 4 days and even tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded. If you plan to freeze leftovers, portion it out first and freeze in resealable bags with some sauce to prevent drying.
Personally, I like adding a pinch more red pepper flakes when cooking my Ground Turkey Pasta. It gives just the right touch of warmth without overpowering the dish.
Let’s Make It Together:
From start to finish, this Ground Turkey Pasta takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on your multitasking skills. Here’s how I do it step-by-step:
- Boil your pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 10 minutes).
- Brown the ground turkey: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Once the turkey is mostly cooked, add the chopped onions. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes: Sprinkle in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the turkey pasta sauce cook on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Meanwhile, drain your pasta and set aside.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until every bite is coated. If it looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Your kitchen will smell amazing when this Ground Turkey Pasta is ready—tomatoes, garlic, and herbs filling the air, making your mouth water.
Don’t worry if your ground turkey mixture looks a bit watery at first; that sauce will thicken up beautifully as it simmers. If you’re short on time, I’ve tested a shortcut where after browning the turkey and onions, you can add store-bought ground turkey pasta sauce and then toss in your cooked pasta. It saves time without losing flavor.
This is where I used to rush my Ground Turkey Pasta—letting the sauce simmer makes a big difference, so be patient. While that’s going, set the table or whip up a quick salad to go alongside.
If you’re interested in another spin, try this Ground Turkey Bolognese I love from Lillie Eats and Tells for a rich and satisfying turkey pasta sauce variation.
For a pressure cooker option, the 20-Minute Instant Pot Pasta with Ground Turkey offers a fast, one-pot meal.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This Ground Turkey Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp, fresh side salad dressed in lemon and olive oil—something simple to balance the hearty, warm pasta.
I often serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls because there’s something about dipping bread into the tomato sauce that makes it feel extra cozy. Roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini are also great and add color and nutrition to your plate.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners when you want something filling but not heavy. It’s also a reliable crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers because it’s easy to double the recipe and keep everyone satisfied.
For leftovers, try turning it into a pasta bake with some shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a new twist.
In the summer, I mix in fresh basil or baby spinach at the end for a seasonal upgrade.
Friends and family always comment on how it strikes the right balance—not too heavy but plenty of flavor. It’s a grounded meal that feels like home.
If you love hearty yet healthy turkey pasta recipes, you might also want to explore this honey garlic ground turkey recipe on AllFoodsRecipe.com or the turkey burger chili for a different twist with ground turkey at Turkey Burger Chili.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Ground Turkey Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often make it the night before and store it in the fridge. The flavors develop nicely overnight. Just reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep it saucy.
What’s a good substitute for ground turkey in this recipe?
If you don’t have ground turkey, ground chicken is a solid swap. Lean ground beef also works but adds fat. I’ve even used lentils for a vegetarian twist—just adjust seasonings for heartiness.
How do I adjust this Ground Turkey Pasta for fewer or more people?
Simple math here! Just halve or double the ingredients to fit your crowd. The sauce scales easily, so if making more, simmer it a little longer to concentrate flavors.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! I usually go with penne or rotini because they hold sauce well, but spaghetti or fusilli works great too.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Ground Turkey Pasta makes satisfying lunches. Store in portioned containers, and it reheats beautifully, keeping its texture and flavor.
How can I make this Ground Turkey Pasta lower in fat?
Use extra-lean ground turkey (99%) and reduce or skip the olive oil by using a non-stick pan. Also, use water instead of broth if you prefer fewer calories.
Can I add vegetables?
For sure! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach stirred in during the sauce simmer add nutrition and flavor with no fuss.
If you want more ideas for easy weeknight pasta with turkey, this Chicken Piccata Pasta has a fresh twist using poultry and pasta in a beautiful lemon sauce.
Final Thoughts:
This Ground Turkey Pasta holds a special place in my recipe box because it delivers consistent flavor and comfort every time. It’s a dish I turn to when I want something healthy but satisfying—perfectly hitting the balance without any guesswork.
My Best Ground Turkey Pasta Tips:
- Take time to let the sauce simmer for the freshest flavor.
- Use 93% lean ground turkey for juiciness but less fat.
- Don’t skip adding some seasoning early—it’s the key to a flavorful, balanced sauce.
I’ve tested variations like a spicy arrabbiata version, a creamy tomato blend, and, of course, a classic ground turkey Bolognese that my family requests almost weekly. The Bolognese version is especially popular when I want something hearty and traditional but healthier.
I encourage you, fellow home cooks, to make this Ground Turkey Pasta your own—swap herbs, add veggies, or go saucy or light. It’s a flexible recipe designed to fit your kitchen and your family’s tastes.
Most of all, I hope this recipe brings you the same dependable dinners it has for me: fast, flavorful, and just plain good to eat.
Happy cooking!
If you want to explore more quick and delicious dinner ideas with ground turkey, be sure to check out my other favorites like Honey Garlic Ground Turkey and Turkey Burger Chili.
Remember, Ground Turkey Pasta is that trusty recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ground Turkey Pasta
A flavorful, healthy ground turkey pasta dish combining lean protein with tender pasta and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz ground turkey
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine and heat through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.