One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe

When life gets busy, nothing beats the simplicity and convenience of a one-pot meal. This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is packed with flavor, nutrition, and heartwarming comfort—all while minimizing cleanup. The rich, savory sauce perfectly coats tender pasta, and the lean ground turkey adds a protein boost that makes this dish wholesome and satisfying.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is easily customizable with your favorite veggies, herbs, or cheese. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious and hearty meal in just one pot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
2. Nutritious: Made with lean ground turkey, whole-grain pasta (optional), and vegetables.
3. Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
4. Versatile: Add your favorite spices, veggies, or cheeses for a personalized touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
2. Incorporate the Liquids: Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and water. Stir well to create a flavorful base for the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Veggies (Optional)

1. Incorporate Greens: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in spinach, kale, or your preferred vegetables. Allow them to wilt into the sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

1. Melt the Cheese: If using, sprinkle mozzarella or Parmesan over the top of the pasta. Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
2. Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper, as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with crusty garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best for even cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stir occasionally and test for doneness a few minutes early to avoid mushy pasta.
3. Boost Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
4. Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Gouda, or even crumbled feta for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara sauce?

Yes! Blend fresh or canned tomatoes to make a quick sauce. Simmer with garlic and seasonings for added depth.

What if my pasta isn’t cooked evenly?

Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid. If needed, add an extra ½ cup of water or broth and stir more frequently.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free dish.

Conclusion

This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is the ultimate solution for a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal. Bursting with flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and again. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food, this dish proves that simplicity and taste can go hand in hand.

Yield: 6

One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe

Print

When life gets busy, nothing beats the simplicity and convenience of a one-pot meal. This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is packed with flavor, nutrition, and heartwarming comfort—all while minimizing cleanup. The rich, savory sauce perfectly coats tender pasta, and the lean ground turkey adds a protein boost that makes this dish wholesome and satisfying.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For Garnish
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Turkey
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.
   Stir in diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the onion softens, about 2-3 minutes.
   
2. Build the Sauce
   Add diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
   Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
3. Cook the Pasta
   Stir in the pasta.
   Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
   Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   
4. Add Cream and Cheese
   Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) to make the sauce creamy.
   Mix in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
   
5. Garnish and Serve
   Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
   Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
   Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Notes

Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients.

Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if desired.

Pasta Type: Adjust cooking time based on the type of pasta used. Smaller shapes like elbows may cook faster, while larger ones like rigatoni might need a couple of extra minutes.