Easy Ground Turkey Pasta
This easy ground turkey pasta is a lighter, wholesome dinner that’s big on flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. Quick, customizable, and incredibly comforting.
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.
Notes
This recipe is easy to customize—add your favorite vegetables or cheeses. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.