Ultimate Ground Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that can make even the most mundane weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet feast. Picture this: layers of perfectly cooked pasta mingling with savory ground turkey, enveloped in a rich, bubbling cheese blanket that tantalizes your senses. creamy mushroom spinach pasta creamy cheese tortellini salad The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste before it hits the table.

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s steeped in nostalgia for family gatherings and cozy evenings spent curled up on the couch, forks in hand. Whether it’s a chilly Sunday night or a casual Friday gathering with friends, Ground Turkey Pasta Bake always delivers a delightful culinary experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

One time, I made this dish for my friends’ potluck, and let’s just say there were no leftovers—just happy faces and full bellies!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: protein-packed breakfast muffins.

• Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
• Pasta: Any pasta shape works here; I prefer penne for its perfect sauce-hugging capabilities.
• Tinned Tomatoes: Choose crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce, adding richness and moisture.
• Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic elevate the taste; sauté them until fragrant to enhance flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
• Cheese Blend: Use mozzarella and parmesan for a gooey topping that melts beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors; feel free to adjust according to your preferences.
• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil keeps your turkey moist while adding healthy fats.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best of all ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion and mincing your garlic. This builds a flavor base that sets the tone for our bake.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the onions until they’re translucent, then add garlic until fragrant.

Brown the Turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned fully with no pink remaining.

Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently while you cook your pasta.

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot with salt. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but reserve some pasta water.

Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with turkey sauce mixture and half of your cheese. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese. For more inspiration, check out this Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this scrumptious Ground Turkey Pasta Bake! It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike while filling their hearts—and stomachs—with joy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground turkey in a skillet, then cook the pasta while preparing your sauce. This sequence saves time and ensures all components are perfectly cooked.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for chicken or beef, and toss in your favorite veggies for added flavor. spicy grilled chicken dish A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can spice things up too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring it retains its cheesy goodness.

Sharing this ground turkey pasta bake with friends led to countless compliments, especially when I let them in on my secret ingredient—a dash of Worcestershire sauce that brought everything together perfectly!

FAQ

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute ground chicken or even beef based on your preference.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.

What sides pair well with ground turkey pasta bake?

A fresh garden salad or garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully, enhancing your dining experience.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is the perfect weeknight comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal. With layers of tender pasta, savory ground turkey, and a bubbling cheese topping, this dish is both hearty and flavorful. Easy to prepare and adaptable for various dietary preferences, it’s an ideal choice for busy families or gatherings. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete experience!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (tinned)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent and add minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer while cooking the pasta.
5. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the turkey mixture and half of the mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl.
7. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 85mg