Ground Turkey Baked Rigatoni Recipe

This Ground Turkey Baked Rigatoni Recipe is a hearty, wholesome, and comforting dish that combines flavorful ground turkey, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all baked together with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthier Protein: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef, making this dish a healthier option.
2. Comfort Food Classic: A baked pasta dish that’s warm, cheesy, and full of flavor.
3. Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezing for busy nights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions, but 1 minute less than the suggested time (the pasta will finish cooking in the oven).
2. Drain and Toss: Drain the pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Turkey Sauce

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Push the turkey to one side of the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Rigatoni

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni and half of the turkey sauce, tossing to coat.
3. First Layer: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Cheese Layer: Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently.
5. Second Layer: Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the turkey sauce.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly).
2. Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Broil: For a golden-brown finish, broil on high for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the baked rigatoni rest for 5–10 minutes to set before slicing.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves if desired.
3. Serve: Scoop onto plates and enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Tips for Success

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it won’t become mushy after baking.
2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil elevate the dish with bright flavors.
3. Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
4. Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella with fontina, provolone, or gouda for different flavors.

Variations

Vegetarian Option

Replace the ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free rigatoni and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Extra Veggies

Add spinach, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to the sauce for more nutrients.

Creamier Dish

Stir 1/2 cup heavy cream into the sauce for a creamier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Bake it just before serving.

What Can I Use Instead of Rigatoni?

Any tubular pasta like penne or ziti works well in this recipe.

Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef or chicken are great substitutes.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Baked Rigatoni Recipe is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines comfort and nutrition in one easy-to-make meal. With its layers of pasta, savory sauce, creamy cheese, and golden topping, this baked rigatoni is bound to become a family favorite.

Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is versatile, freezer-friendly, and utterly delicious. Make it tonight and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

Yield: 6

Ground Turkey Baked Rigatoni Recipe

Print

This Ground Turkey Baked Rigatoni Recipe is a hearty, wholesome, and comforting dish that combines flavorful ground turkey, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all baked together with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to make.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:
• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• For the Cheese Layer:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Optional Toppings:
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the Rigatoni

Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until no longer pink.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.

4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella. Mix well and set aside.

5. Assemble the Baked Rigatoni

1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer half of the cooked rigatoni on top of the sauce.
3. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
4. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, rigatoni, and cheese mixture.
5. Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Cheese Options: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamy twist.