Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta
Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in marinara sauce and cream; simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap marinara for vodka sauce or tomato basil for variety.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Lean ground turkey is seasoned and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, then finished with cream and plenty of melted cheese for a smooth, velvety texture. The mozzarella adds that classic stretchy cheesiness, while Parmesan brings depth and savory balance.
Using ground turkey keeps the dish lighter than traditional beef pasta, without sacrificing heartiness or satisfaction. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and uses pantry staples, yet it’s cozy enough to feel like a special homemade meal. It’s also incredibly versatile—easy to customize with vegetables, different sauces, or extra spice. Served hot and bubbly, this pasta is comforting, filling, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
