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Easy Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

This ground turkey pasta combines lean meat, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheese for a family-friendly meal. It's quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and creates a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:09 GMT
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A pan of baked penne pasta topped with melted cheese, ground meat, and fresh parsley. Pin it
A pan of baked penne pasta topped with melted cheese, ground meat, and fresh parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

This creamy turkey pasta has saved my weeknight dinner routine countless times. It's my go to recipe when I need something quick yet satisfying that my whole family will enjoy. The combination of tender ground turkey and pasta in a rich tomato sauce creates pure comfort in a bowl.

Why This Recipe Never Fails

I love how this dish brings together lean protein with a sauce that's absolutely irresistible. The best part is how flexible it is. Sometimes I toss in whatever veggies are sitting in my fridge or switch up the pasta shapes based on what I have in my pantry. It always turns out delicious no matter what.

What You'll Need in Your Kitchen

  • 12 oz penne pasta (any short pasta works great)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped up small)
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flour (gluten free works too)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (I prefer low sodium)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
  • 1/2 cup half and half (cream makes it extra luxurious)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (I mix cheddar and mozzarella)
  • 1 cup of your favorite veggies
A skillet filled with baked penne pasta topped with melted cheese, ground meat, tomato sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A skillet filled with baked penne pasta topped with melted cheese, ground meat, tomato sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

Let's Cook Together

Start with the Pasta
Get your pasta cooking in well salted water. Save a cup of the cooking water before draining it really helps with the sauce.
Cook the Turkey
While the pasta cooks, soften your onions in olive oil then add the turkey. Break it up as it browns to get nice even pieces.
Make it Saucy
Once your turkey is cooked, add garlic and seasonings. Sprinkle in the flour, then pour in your broth and tomato sauce. Let it bubble away.
Bring it All Together
Mix in your cooked pasta and half and half. Add cheese in two stages some for mixing and some on top. Let it get all melty and delicious.

Make it Your Own

Some nights I use gluten free pasta or swap in ground chicken. My kids love when I add their favorite veggies like peas or broccoli. I usually serve it with a simple salad on the side but honestly it's perfectly satisfying on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well. Penne, rotini, or fusilli are great choices as they hold the sauce well in their ridges.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

→ Can I make this healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat dairy, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. The taste stays great while adding more nutrients.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring often to keep the creamy texture.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make perfect sides. Garlic bread is great for soaking up the extra sauce.

Ground Turkey Pasta

A quick and creamy pasta dish made with ground turkey, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Ready in 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 large pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 12 ounces penne pasta.
02 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 1 large yellow onion, diced.
04 1 pound ground turkey.
05 2 teaspoons salt, divided.
06 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
07 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
08 5 cloves garlic, minced.
09 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
10 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
11 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce.
12 1 cup half and half.
13 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded.
14 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded.
15 Fresh parsley for garnish.
16 Red chili flakes for garnish (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta in salted water until just under done.

Step 02

Save 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 03

Heat oil in large pan over medium heat.

Step 04

Cook onions until soft (5 minutes).

Step 05

Add turkey, cook until browned.

Step 06

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning.

Step 07

Add garlic, cook 1 minute.

Step 08

Sprinkle flour over meat, stir well.

Step 09

Pour in broth and tomato sauce, simmer.

Step 10

Add cooked pasta and half-and-half.

Step 11

Mix in half the cheeses.

Step 12

Top with remaining cheese.

Step 13

Cover until cheese melts.

Step 14

Garnish with parsley and chili flakes.

Notes

  1. Can use ground beef instead.
  2. Use heavy cream for richer sauce.
  3. Can add vegetables.
  4. Great for meal prep.
  5. Easy to customize.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Large pan or Dutch oven.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, half-and-half).
  • Gluten (pasta, flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 613
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 35 g