Save A rich and creamy pasta dish made with tender ground turkey, a velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan meal is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
I first made this cheesy ground turkey pasta for my family on a chilly evening, and it quickly became our go-to comfort meal. Everyone loved how creamy and satisfying it was, and I appreciated how little effort it took to whip up from scratch.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your favorite type)
- Ground Turkey: 1 lb ground turkey
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Marinara Sauce: 1 cup marinara sauce
- Broth: 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley or Basil: Fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Brown the Ground Turkey:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and broth, stirring to combine. Add heavy cream and red pepper flakes, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked ground turkey and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, stirring to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese.
Save This recipe has become a staple in our family, especially after busy days when everyone is craving something warm and satisfying together around the dinner table.
Make It Your Own
Swap in other pasta shapes or use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Serving Ideas
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Save This creamy cheesy ground turkey pasta is perfect for comfort and flavor, ready in no time for your family. Enjoy every bite and make it again and again!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Yes, ground chicken or lean beef also work well. Adjust seasonings to suit your preferences.
- → Which pasta shapes are best for this dish?
Rigatoni and penne hold the sauce nicely, but any short pasta works. Use your favorite shape.
- → How do I make the sauce creamier?
Ensure the cheese is fully melted and add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- → Is there a way to add more vegetables?
Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- → Can leftovers be stored and reheated?
Yes, keep leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.