I remember the exact moment I fell head over heels for this Ground Turkey Pasta. It was a chilly weeknight, and I was scrolling through endless dinner ideas, feeling uninspired. Then I stumbled across a turkey pasta recipe that seemed simple but packed with flavor. I decided to give it a whirl, and wow—this easy ground turkey pasta dish totally changed the game in my kitchen. The mix of savory goodness and cozy pasta vibes felt like the perfect hug on a plate.
What lights me up about this Ground Turkey Pasta is how approachable it is. No fancy ingredients or complicated moves—just honest-to-goodness comfort with a fresh twist. It fits right into my foodie life as a go-to when I want something healthy but satisfying. It’s this perfect balance between nourishing and indulgent that makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time I pull it out of the skillet.
I’ve made this recipe over and over again, tweaking it here and there, and it always hits the spot. Plus, it’s super adaptable, so I can play around with the flavors or swap in what I have on hand. Honestly, this ground turkey pasta has become a little kitchen victory that made me realize healthy and tasty meals don’t have to be a struggle.
Friends, I can’t wait for you to try this Ground Turkey Pasta! It’s one of those easy ground turkey pasta dishes that make weeknight cooking something to look forward to. Let’s get on this delicious journey together—you’re going to love how simple and satisfying it is. Ready? Let’s dive in and cook up some everyday magic!
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the lowdown on the simple, everyday ingredients that make this Ground Turkey Pasta shine. This keeps your grocery run easy and your wallet happy.
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean or extra lean works great, grab whatever’s on sale)
- 12 ounces pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli all work—go with what you love)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or swap in avocado oil for a subtle twist)
- 1 medium onion, diced (you can swap yellow onion for shallots if you want something sweeter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skip this—it’s flavor gold)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (canned tomatoes are a kitchen staple and perfect in this healthy ground turkey pasta)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (adds that classic Italian vibe)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (bright and herbaceous, like summer in a bowl)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I like a little kick)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (helps keep things saucy without heaviness)
- Freshly grated Parmesan for topping (totally optional but my secret touch for that extra wow)
This Ground Turkey Pasta is kind to your wallet because ground turkey is often more affordable than beef and cooks up fast. You can grab everything at any regular grocery store, no specialty trips required.
Pro tip: Dice your onions and mince garlic before diving into cooking to keep things moving smoothly. Leftovers? Store the Ground Turkey Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully, so you can double the recipe and have weekday dinners sorted!
Here’s my secret little upgrade that takes this Ground Turkey Pasta from good to ‘wow’: toss in a handful of fresh spinach or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right at the end. It brightens everything up and sneaks in some extra greens.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Alright friends, let’s roll up our sleeves—this Ground Turkey Pasta comes together fast and easy, perfect for those nights when you want delicious without fuss.
- Boil the pasta. Start a large pot of salted water boiling. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. While that’s going, prep your aromatics.
- Sauté your aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent—think about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the turkey. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. You want that turkey cooked through but still moist, so avoid overcooking, or it can dry out.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let this bubble away for about 10 minutes so the flavors marry.
- Drain pasta and combine. Your pasta should be perfectly al dente now! Drain it, reserving a cup of pasta water (more on that in a sec). Add the pasta straight into the turkey mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water if it needs loosening up.
- Final touches. Taste and adjust seasonings if you want more salt or pepper. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh herbs if you have’em.
Start to finish, this Ground Turkey Pasta comes together in about 30-35 minutes, but trust me, that time flies when your kitchen smells this incredible!
Kitchen nugget: If your Ground Turkey Pasta looks a little dry, don’t panic—it just means you need a splash more broth or pasta water. It’s easy to fix and keeps the sauce perfectly saucy.
Shortcut alert: Using pre-minced garlic or jarred marinara can shave off a few minutes, but homemade crushed tomato with fresh herbs brings so much more flavor.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Ground Turkey Pasta truly shines when you serve it with a crisp green salad and a crusty piece of bread for scooping up every last bit of that saucy goodness.
I love pairing it with simple roasted veggies—think broccoli or asparagus—because the fresh, smoky notes balance the hearty turkey spaghetti perfectly.
For easy presentation, pile it high in deep bowls and sprinkle finishing touches of Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s cozy but feels like you put in some fancy flair.
This dish is a stellar weeknight meal but also a hit when friends drop by unexpectedly. The easy ground turkey pasta dish doubles beautifully as leftovers too. My favorite leftover hack? Toss it with some fresh mozzarella and heat it up for a quick pasta bake twist.
I’ve also tried seasonal versions by adding roasted butternut squash cubes—which you can find in my Roasted Butternut Squash with Ground Turkey post—to bring a cozy, autumnal flair.
If you’re dreaming of more turkey pasta recipe ideas, you’ll want to peek at my Ground Turkey Broccoli Pasta for a veggie-packed spin or dive into some fun with Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas for a flavor curveball.
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Ground Turkey Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the turkey mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta for that perfect freshness.
What’s a good swap for pasta in this ground turkey pasta?
If you want a lighter twist, zucchini noodles are a fun alternative. I love how the Quick and Easy Turkey Bolognese Recipe with Zucchini Pasta uses spiralized veggies for a low-carb option.
Can I make this Ground Turkey Pasta for more or fewer people?
Definitely! This turkey pasta recipe scales well. Just multiply or divide ingredients proportionally. For a crowd, double it, and you’ll have enough for leftovers too.
Is ground turkey tough to cook?
Not at all! Just be patient and avoid overcooking. You want it nicely browned but still juicy. I learned from experience that rushing this step can dry it out.
Can I add veggies into this Ground Turkey Pasta?
Yes! I often add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra color and nutrition. For a vibrant veggie boost, swing by Life is but a Dish’s 30-Minute Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce for inspiration.
How do I keep it healthy but flavorful?
Using lean turkey and fresh herbs keeps it light, while garlic, oregano, and Parmesan punch up the flavor. The recipe is a solid example of healthy ground turkey pasta that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Where’s the best place to find ground turkey?
Any grocery store should have ground turkey in the meat section, usually sold as lean or extra lean. I prefer extra lean for this easy ground turkey pasta dish because it keeps things lighter.
If you want to try a classic twist, don’t miss the Best-Ever Turkey Bolognese – Pasta recipe on Plays Well with Butter—it’s a rich, cozy version you’ll adore!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Ground Turkey Pasta has carved out a cozy, delicious corner in my kitchen routine, and I know it will in yours too. It’s quick, wholesome, and, most importantly, always a hit.
My Top Ground Turkey Pasta Tips:
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for real depth.
- Don’t overcook your turkey to keep it tender.
- Save some pasta water to loosen your sauce perfectly.
For variations, I love stirring in a splash of cream for a richer sauce, or trying turkey Bolognese pasta styles with finely chopped veggies. Sometimes, I swap in penne for ground turkey spaghetti when I want different textures. My routine remake most requested by friends is this simple, flexible Ground Turkey Pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley—classic and satisfying every time.
Have fun making this recipe your own. Add what you love, skip what you don’t, and always savor the process.
If you’re craving more inspiration, check out my Ground Turkey Broccoli Pasta or the Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas for new spins, plus this cozy roasted butternut squash with ground turkey combo for a seasonal treat.
You’re going to love how this Ground Turkey Pasta brings simple joy and tasty vibes to your table! I’m so excited for you to make it your next favorite easy ground turkey pasta dish. Let’s keep sharing those kitchen wins together!
Ground Turkey Pasta
This Ground Turkey Pasta is a flavorful and healthy weeknight meal combining lean ground turkey with tender pasta and a savory tomato sauce for easy, satisfying eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook 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 softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine thoroughly with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce, or serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.