Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are days when cooking feels inspiring—and then there are days when I just want dinner to magically appear on the table with as little effort (and as few dishes!) as possible. On those days, I turn to my absolute favorite hero meal: One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe.
This dish was born out of one of those chaotic evenings when I had exactly 25 minutes before my kids (and honestly, myself) would reach peak hunger meltdown. I opened the fridge, spotted a pack of ground turkey, and remembered the half-used box of pasta sitting in my pantry. What followed was a recipe that has become an all-time staple in my kitchen: creamy, hearty, flavorful pasta cooked entirely in one single pot.
No juggling boiling pots of water.
No separate pans for sautéing meat.
No sink full of dishes.
Just one pot, one protein, one meal that checks every box.
This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner—comforting, budget-friendly, high in protein, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family, a partner, or just yourself, this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
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One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe (2026)
Ingredients for One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is flexible, so feel free to substitute based on what you have on hand. Here are the base ingredients for the classic version.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional depending on turkey fat content)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced (optional but recommended)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, shells, or macaroni all work)
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Finish (Optional):
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
Toppings:
- Fresh basil
- Grated parmesan
- Crushed red pepper
- Parsley
How to Prepare One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
One pot recipes are all about layering ingredients in the right order so everything cooks evenly and flavors meld perfectly. Here’s how to make this comforting dish:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat your pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add olive oil (if using), then add the ground turkey.
Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Tip: For deeper flavor, allow the turkey to brown a bit and develop caramelization.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
This step builds the flavor base for the entire dish.
Step 3: Mix in Tomato Components
Add the sliced tomatoes and tomato paste.
Stir well to combine and coat the meat mixture.
Let it cook for 1 minute to deepen the tomato flavor.
Step 4: Add the Pasta, Liquid, and Seasonings
Add:
- pasta
- chicken broth
- marinara sauce
- basil
- Italian seasoning
- paprika
- chili flakes (optional)
Stir until everything is combined and the pasta is fully submerged.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta Is Cooked
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover the pot and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The pasta will absorb the sauce and broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
Tip: If liquid reduces too quickly, add ¼ cup more broth.
Step 6: Make It Creamy (Optional But Delicious)
If you want a creamy finish, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
Then add shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
This step transforms the dish into a luxurious, velvety pasta that tastes like it simmered all day.
Step 7: Serve With Fresh Toppings
Turn off heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes—this helps thicken the sauce.
Serve with:
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan
- Parsley
- Extra cheese
- Crushed red pepper
Your one-pot wonder is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is so comforting that it stands perfectly on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions.
Serve Straight From the Pot
Rustic, homestyle, and perfect for family-style dinners.
With Garlic Bread
For mopping up the creamy tomato sauce.
With a Crisp Salad
A simple Caesar or mixed greens balances the richness.
With Steamed Veggies
Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts pair beautifully.
As Meal Prep
Divide into meal-prep containers for easy lunches.
With Extra Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan curls
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- A drizzle of olive oil
This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is customizable from mild to spicy and from classic to cheesy comfort food.
Tips for the Best One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
These tips will help ensure everything cooks evenly and tastes incredible:
1. Use a wide, deep pot.
More surface area prevents sticking and helps the pasta cook evenly.
2. Don’t add the dairy too early.
Adding cream or cheese before the pasta cooks can cause curdling or sticking.
3. Taste as you go.
Tomato sauces vary in saltiness—adjust seasoning at the end.
4. Keep the pasta submerged.
If not fully covered, it may cook unevenly.
5. Stir occasionally.
But don’t overdo it—too much stirring can break the noodles.
6. For thicker sauce.
Simmer uncovered for the last 2 minutes.
7. For extra richness.
Add a dollop of ricotta just before serving.
8. Don’t skip the aromatics.
Garlic, onion, and bell pepper layer flavors that take this pasta from basic to amazing.
Variations
This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is extremely flexible. Here are fun ways to change it up depending on mood, ingredients, or dietary needs.
1. Veggie-Loaded Turkey Pasta
Add:
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Carrots
Stir veggies in either when sautéing aromatics or at the end for tender greens.
2. Spicy Turkey Pasta
Add:
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 minced jalapeño
- A splash of hot sauce
Perfect for those who like heat.
3. Alfredo-Style Turkey Pasta
Replace:
- Marinara sauce with 1 cup heavy cream + ½ cup parmesan.
It turns into a creamy white pasta with a savory turkey twist.
4. Mexican-Style Turkey Pasta
Swap seasonings for:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can black beans
Top with cheddar instead of mozzarella.
5. Pesto Turkey Pasta
Add:
- ¼ cup pesto to the finished dish.
Bright, herby, and refreshing.
6. Greek Turkey Pasta
Add:
- Olives
- Spinach
- Cherry tomatoes
- Crumbled feta
Swap marinara for ½ marinara + ½ tomato sauce.
7. Dairy-Free Turkey Pasta
Use:
- Coconut milk or cashew cream
- Dairy-free cheese
Still wonderfully creamy.
8. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta Option
Whole wheat works great—just add a little more broth.
For gluten-free pasta, check early; it cooks faster and can get mushy if overcooked.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef or chicken instead?
Absolutely! Any ground meat works in this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe.
2. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats beautifully and makes excellent leftovers.
3. What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked but the liquid is gone?
Add ¼–½ cup broth and simmer a few minutes longer.
4. Can I use canned milk or evaporated milk instead of cream?
Yes. It gives a lighter but still creamy texture.
5. Is there a way to make it lighter?
Use:
- 99% lean turkey
- Light tomato sauce
- Skip the cream
- Add extra vegetables
6. Can I make this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe without tomatoes?
Yes. Substitute the tomatoes and marinara with 2 cups broth + ½ cup cream for a white sauce version.
7. Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, but creamy versions freeze better than tomato-only versions. Thaw overnight for best texture.
8. What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like:
- Penne
- Rotini
- Shells
- Fusilli
- Elbows
These hold up well during cooking.
9. What if my cheese clumps?
Add cheese slowly off the heat, stirring continuously.
10. Can I add wine?
Yes! Deglaze the pot with ¼ cup white wine after sautéing aromatics.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute weekday lifesavers—comforting, quick, and always satisfying. Whether you make it creamy, spicy, veggie-packed, or classic, it’s the perfect cozy meal that checks every box: protein-packed, budget-friendly, and very family-friendly.
I hope this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen the same way it did in mine. It’s the kind of dish you don’t need to think too hard about—you just throw everything in a pot, simmer, and enjoy the magic that happens when pasta cooks right in the sauce.