Name: Ground Turkey Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite shape); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Ground Turkey Pasta because it’s packed with protein, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The lean ground turkey takes on the flavor of the seasonings and the tomato sauce, creating a savory base that perfectly complements the pasta. It’s a great way to enjoy pasta without all the heaviness of traditional meat sauces, and it can be customized with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or pasta shapes. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Brown the turkey: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the turkey and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes and sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, chicken broth (or water), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated.
Serve: Serve the Ground Turkey Pasta in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of around 20 minutes. The total time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option for any night of the week.

Variations

Add vegetables: Stir in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish.
Use a different protein: If you prefer, you can use ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even a plant-based ground protein for a vegetarian version.
Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy, richer sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Ground Turkey Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.

This dish also freezes well. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop, adding a little more sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and adds extra fiber to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the ground turkey and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine with the sauce.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Simply chop them up and simmer in the sauce until they break down and release their juices. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to reach the right consistency.

4. Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes! For extra creaminess, you can stir in a little mozzarella, Parmesan, or ricotta cheese into the sauce as it simmers.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use dairy-free pasta. You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a completely dairy-free dish.

6. How can I make this more flavorful?

If you like a bolder flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar, a pinch of Italian seasoning, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Pasta is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that combines lean turkey with pasta and a flavorful, savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and can be easily customized to your tastes. Whether you add vegetables, make it spicy, or stir in cheese, this pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this wholesome and satisfying meal with your family or friends!