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 when the weather turned chilly and my family was craving something filling. The creamy sauce and melted cheese won everyone over instantly, and now it's a staple for our busiest weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz rigatoni, penne, or your favorite type
- Ground turkey: 1 lb
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Marinara sauce: 1 cup
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 1 cup
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp, optional
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley or basil: chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. 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 We love gathering around the dinner table with a big bowl of this cheesy turkey pasta. It's always a hit at family get-togethers, and the kids ask for seconds every time.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Garlic bread is a perfect companion for soaking up the extra cheese sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of extra broth if needed.
Variations
Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella, or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Save This cheesy pasta brightens any busy weeknight. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite with your loved ones!
Recipe Help
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rigatoni or penne with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli or macaroni.
- → Is it possible to use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and delivers similar results in flavor and texture.
- → Can this dish be made ahead for meal prep?
Yes, it's great for meal prep. Store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of broth for best texture.
- → What cheese alternatives work if I don’t have cheddar?
Try mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles and melt qualities.
- → How can I make the sauce less spicy?
Omit or reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder taste without losing flavor.
- → What’s the best way to garnish?
Top with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving for added freshness.