Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This cheesy ground turkey pasta is the kind of dinner that shows up wearing stretchy pants and still looks like a million bucks. It is quick, comforting, and oddly impressive for doing so little work.

If you love pantry friendly meals that act like dinner and dessert at the same time try my take on this with a spin from a similar comfort classic I adore cheesy ground beef and rice casserole inspiration. You will thank me later when the leftovers call your name.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First up this dish solves the age old problem of wanting cheesy pasta but not wanting to babysit a 100 step process. It comes together fast and cleans up faster. You get protein, carbs, and enough cheese to make everyone at the table behave.

It is idiot proof even I did not mess it up. Swap the pasta shape, tweak the heat, and you still win. Plus it uses ground turkey so you can feel slightly virtuous while indulging in molten cheddar joy.

Ingredients Youll Need

• 12 ounces rigatoni penne or preferred pasta
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil chopped for garnish

Yes the list reads like a cozy blanket of flavor. Keep the cheese generous unless you plan to share.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water add salt and bring to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente and reserve 0.5 cup of the cooking water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula cooking until browned. Season with salt black pepper and Italian seasoning. Remove turkey from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and broth mixing thoroughly. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using. Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese allowing it to melt smoothly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until incorporated.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in sauce and cheese. If needed add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached.
7. Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately topping with extra Parmesan if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not salting the pasta water. Pasta needs flavor friends.
• Skipping the reserved pasta water. That starchy splash helps the sauce cling so dont skip it.
• Overcooking the turkey until it turns dry and sad. Cook till just browned and moist.
• Adding all the cheese at once on high heat. Melt it slowly on low to avoid grainy cheese mishaps.
• Ignoring taste tests. Season as you go or your final dish may be boring.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Want to swap things out No problem. Ground chicken or lean ground beef work great if you do not have turkey. For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream though the sauce will be slightly less decadent. If you are dairy free try a vegan cheddar and a splash of unsweetened oat milk plus a bit of nutritional yeast for that cheesy vibe.

Not a marinara fan Try a tomato basil sauce or a roasted red pepper sauce for a twist. Prefer a different carb option Try cauliflower gnocchi or zoodles for a lower carb plate. Also if you like a little crunch sprinkle breadcrumbs toasted in butter on top before serving for texture.

Oh and if you liked that casserole vibe check this comfort sibling that pairs well with this style cheesy ground beef potato casserole for more cozy dinner ideas.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different pasta shapes Why not Rigatoni or penne hold the sauce nicely but spiral pasta works too.
• Is ground turkey dry by nature How you cook it matters Keep it hot and do not overcook then return it to the sauce to finish so it stays juicy.
• Can I make this ahead of time Yes make the sauce and turkey a day ahead then toss with freshly cooked pasta right before serving for best texture.
• Can I freeze leftovers Absolutely Freeze in portions and reheat gently adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
• How spicy will it be with red pepper flakes You control this Add none for mild add more for a kick. I usually add the optional 0.5 teaspoon and call it playful.
• Can I use low fat dairy Yes but expect a slightly thinner and less silky sauce still tasty though.
• Do I have to use Parmesan No but it adds a nice savory hit so consider a sprinkle if you can.

Final Thoughts

This recipe hits that sweet spot of easy meal prep and crowd pleasing flavor. It is forgiving which means you can noodle around with swaps and still end up with something delicious. Reserve that pasta water and stir the cheese in slowly and you will be celebrated.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it and probably a second helping.

Conclusion

If you want another take or extra inspiration try this well written online version of a similar dish over at Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe – The Forked Spoon.

Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

---

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Poultry

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and comforting cheesy ground turkey pasta that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces rigatoni, penne, or preferred pasta
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 0.5 cup of the cooking water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and brown, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove turkey from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and broth. Pour in heavy cream and add red pepper flakes if using. Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted smoothly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix until incorporated.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in sauce and cheese. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired sauce consistency.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately, topping with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Ensure to reserve pasta water for better sauce consistency. Don’t overcook the turkey for best results.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pasta, ground turkey, cheesy, easy dinner, comforting meal