Looking for a quick, satisfying, and wholesome dinner idea? This Ground Turkey Pasta is a delicious solution for busy weeknights. Made with lean ground turkey, garlic, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s lighter than traditional beef pasta but still packed with flavor. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for families, meal prepping, or anyone craving comfort food without the extra heaviness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light yet hearty – Lean ground turkey keeps it flavorful without being too heavy.
- Quick to make – On the table in about 30 minutes.
- One-pot friendly – Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
- Family-approved – Kids and adults alike will love it.
- Customizable – Swap veggies, pasta shapes, or sauces to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy twist – Stir in mozzarella or ricotta for creaminess.
- Veggie boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta.
- Meal prep – Divide into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze cooled pasta in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or microwave until hot.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread for a classic touch.
- Add a green salad with balsamic dressing for freshness.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
- Enjoy with iced tea or sparkling water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works just as well for this recipe.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Which pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but spaghetti also works.
How do I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or stir in ricotta for a rich, creamy version.
Ready to Try It?
This Ground Turkey Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner: easy, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or simply when you want a comforting bowl of pasta without the fuss.
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Ground Turkey Pasta – Healthy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A healthy and flavorful weeknight Ground Turkey Pasta made with lean ground turkey, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce—ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 onion finely diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 zucchini diced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté 4-5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper; mix well.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer 8-10 minutes to develop flavor.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to evenly coat with sauce.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup ricotta or shredded mozzarella.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Ready to try it? Quick, healthy, and family-friendly—perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg