There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of pasta after a long day. If you’ve got ground turkey in your fridge and aren’t sure what to make, this easy ground turkey pasta is the answer. It’s tasty, filling, and lighter than most pasta dishes—perfect for a cozy meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Pasta
This isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a go-to you’ll rely on again and again. Here’s why it stands out:
Healthier alternative: Ground turkey is leaner than beef but still hearty and protein-rich.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spice it up as you like.
Kid-friendly: Mild in flavor but easy to enhance if you’re cooking for adults.
Meal prep winner: Stores and reheats well, making it ideal for lunches and leftovers.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – Use 93% lean for the best flavor and moisture.
Pasta – Short types like penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
Crushed tomatoes – Adds rich tomato flavor and texture.
Tomato paste – Makes the sauce thicker and deeper in taste.
Onion – gives the sauce a nice savory base.
Garlic – Fresh garlic adds great flavor.
Olive oil – Used for cooking the turkey and aromatics.
Italian seasoning – Brings in classic herb flavor.
Red pepper flakes – Optional for mild heat.
How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta
You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps. Follow this process and you’ll have a comforting bowl of ground turkey pasta in no time.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to the package instructions.
Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon.
Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes.
Mix in reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.
Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated.
Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Expert Tips
Getting that just-right texture and flavor comes down to a few kitchen-tested tips:
Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente works best for soaking up the sauce.
Use lean turkey: It keeps the dish light but still satisfying.
Reserve pasta water: It helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
Simmer for flavor: Give your sauce at least 5 minutes to develop depth.
Balance the seasoning: Always taste and adjust before serving.
Delicious Variations You Can Try
If you love changing things up or have different ingredients on hand, here are a few tasty tweaks:
Flavor Twists
Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a luscious, creamy sauce.
Spicy Kick: Up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Cheesy Baked Pasta: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 5 minutes.
Pasta Swaps
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use chickpea or rice-based noodles.
Low-Carb Option: Try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing this dish with the right sides makes the meal complete:
A crisp side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic bread or whole-grain toast
Steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli or zucchini)
A glass of sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Pasta
Is ground turkey pasta healthy?
Yes, especially when using lean ground turkey and whole grain or veggie-based pasta. It offers high protein, lower fat, and lots of flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in pasta?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great substitute for any pasta dish, offering a lighter and often more budget-friendly alternative.
What’s the best pasta shape for ground turkey pasta?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells work well because they hold the sauce beautifully.
How do I store and reheat ground turkey pasta?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water.
Easy Ground Turkey Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pasta Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms or bell peppers
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Mix in reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.
- Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and cheese if desired. Serve warm.