Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta (Print)

Enjoy rich cheese, ground turkey, and tender pasta in this flavorful, quick-cooking comfort meal.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Pasta & Meat

01 - 12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
02 - 1 pound ground turkey
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ For the Sauce

04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 cup marinara sauce
07 - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For the Cheese & Garnish

12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Cook until the turkey is thoroughly browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the browned turkey from the skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet used for the turkey, add the finely chopped onion. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion has softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour the marinara sauce and broth into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
05 - Add the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
06 - Add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
07 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish generously with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • One pan cleanup means less time washing dishes
  • Versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste preferences
  • Comforting and satisfying without being overly heavy
02 -
  • High in protein from the turkey making it a satisfying meal
  • Can be prepared ahead and reheats beautifully
  • Excellent source of calcium from the cheese blend
  • Perfect for picky eaters who might otherwise resist lean proteins
  • Easily customizable with seasonal vegetables
03 -
  • Always grate your own cheese rather than using pre shredded varieties which contain anti caking agents that can prevent smooth melting
  • Reserve pasta water before draining the starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta
  • Let the turkey develop a good brown crust before breaking it up for maximum flavor development
  • Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving as cheese adds saltiness that develops as it melts

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