If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and surprisingly quick to throw together, this One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender ground turkey mingling with vibrant cherry tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and creamy sauce, all cooked with whole-wheat penne in one pot for ultimate ease. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that comes together with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is carefully chosen to provide a tasty balance of protein, freshness, and indulgence, while keeping things healthy and colorful. Simple yet essential, these ingredients make all the difference in texture and flavor complexity.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base to sauté the turkey and veggies.
- Lean ground turkey: A lean protein source that cooks quickly and soaks up seasoning beautifully.
- Chopped red onion: Brings sweetness and a bit of bite when sautéed.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst with juiciness and vibrant color.
- Dried oregano: Provides earthy, Mediterranean warmth to the dish.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes that brighten the overall flavor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth without overpowering.
- Sea salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Offers a gentle kick for complexity.
- Whole-wheat penne: Hearty pasta that lends a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable stock): Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the pasta moist.
- Marinara sauce: A comforting tomato base that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the sauce for richness.
- Fresh baby spinach: Packs in vibrant color and delicate greens.
- Chopped fresh basil: Gives a fresh, aromatic punch.
- Low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty topping to elevate the dish.
How to Make One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground turkey and sauté it for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. You want to see that lovely browning because that caramelization builds incredible flavor no one will want to miss.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Tomatoes with Herbs
Next, toss in the chopped red onion and halved cherry tomatoes along with dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook this fragrant mixture for another 5 minutes while stirring often. The veggies soften, the herbs release their aromas, and everything starts to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Broth, and Sauces
Now for the magic one-pot moment: add the whole-wheat penne, chicken broth, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Give everything a good stir to combine, then turn up the heat until the liquid is bubbling gently. Reduce heat to medium and cover the pot to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente and has soaked up all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Stir in Greens and Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, stir in fresh baby spinach in batches so it wilts evenly. Then fold in chopped fresh basil and shredded mozzarella cheese to create a luscious, cheesy finish that practically melts into every bite.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of optional grated Parmesan for that extra savory touch. The warmth and blend of flavors here make it a dish that feels like a special treat every time.
How to Serve One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your serving, fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese bring freshness and a salty tang that balances the creamy pasta beautifully. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or warm focaccia adds a delightful crunch and perfect vehicle for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish directly from the pot for a cozy family-style vibe, or plate individual servings with a fresh basil leaf on top for a lovely presentation. You could even bake it briefly under the broiler with extra mozzarella for a golden, bubbly crust that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great option for easy next-day meals. Just remember to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to the perfect consistency. You can also microwave covered in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying the pasta out.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be swapped in with similar cooking times. Just keep an eye on the fat content and drain if necessary to avoid excess grease.
Is whole-wheat penne necessary?
Not at all. You can use your favorite type of pasta—regular penne, rotini, or even gluten-free varieties—just adjust the cooking time slightly to match their package instructions.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground turkey and use vegetable broth. You could boost the protein with beans, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk to keep the creamy texture without the same richness as heavy cream.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking for a bit of heat if desired.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and wholesome ingredients, making dinner time something you look forward to rather than stress over. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become one of those treasured go-to meals that feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a dinner that’s as satisfying as it is fuss-free.
Print
One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and wholesome one-pot ground turkey pasta dish featuring lean turkey, whole-wheat penne, fresh vegetables, and a creamy marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that combines protein, fiber, and vibrant herbs all in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable stock)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Cheese
- ½ cup low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional – grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and sauté it for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring often to soften the vegetables and blend the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the whole-wheat penne pasta, chicken broth or vegetable stock, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat until the mixture starts to gently bubble, then reduce heat to medium and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed the sauce.
- Incorporate Greens and Cheese: Gradually stir in the fresh baby spinach in batches to allow it to wilt evenly. Then add the chopped fresh basil and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring gently until the cheese has melted and the herbs are well distributed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately while hot. Optionally, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish and garnish with more fresh basil leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use whole-wheat pasta to add extra fiber and nutrition.
- Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option when skipping the turkey.
- You can adjust the cream amount or use a lighter cream alternative for fewer calories.
- If preferred, add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
