Introduction

This Ground Turkey Pasta offers a creamy, comforting meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich tomato and cheese sauce, it’s a flavorful dish the whole family will enjoy.

A close-up view of a plate filled with cooked penne pasta covered in a creamy sauce with small chunks of light brown ground meat mixed throughout. Melted white cheese is layered on top, slightly gooey and spread unevenly across the meat and pasta. Small pieces of fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the cheese and sauce, adding a touch of color contrast. The pasta sits in a white plate visible at the edges, with a soft focus on the pasta and sauce texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces Penne Pasta (feel free to replace with any pasta shape you love)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (canola or vegetable oil works just as well)
1 medium Yellow Onion (red onion can give a sharper twist if desired)
1 pound Ground Turkey (substitute with turkey or ground beef for variety)
1 teaspoon Salt (adjust per your dietary requirements)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked recommended)
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
2 cloves Garlic (minced; garlic powder can work in a pinch)
2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour (gluten-free flour can be a great alternative)
1 cup Chicken Broth (vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
1 cup Tomato Sauce (canned diced tomatoes can give a chunkier texture)
½ cup Half-and-half (or heavy cream, or non-dairy milk)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (substitute with provolone or dairy-free cheese)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese (use any melty cheese you enjoy)
¼ cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (optional for a little heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until just shy of al dente. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside to let the steam escape.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add finely diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crumbly. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the turkey mixture, stirring continuously. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken for 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, coating every piece. Stir in half-and-half for creaminess, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce thickness.
Step 6: Lower the heat and fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to melt.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, comforting Ground Turkey Pasta.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Add a handful of spinach or kale when folding in the pasta for extra nutrients.
Adjust the spice level by omitting or increasing the red chili flakes according to your preference.
Leftover sauce can be thinned with a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is creamy light orange pasta shaped like short tubes with small ridges, coated lightly in sauce; the middle layer has browned ground meat mixed with small pieces of soft orange and white vegetables; the top layer is melted, stretchy white cheese spread unevenly over the meat, with fresh green herb leaves scattered on top. The dish is served on a white plate that sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is leaner and cooks quickly, making it a healthy and flavorful alternative to ground beef in this recipe.