Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe – Perfect for Weeknights

Name: Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe – Perfect for Weeknights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 12 oz rotini or penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes

Posted on November 23, 2025

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Let me set the scene: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re starving, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Enter this creamy ground turkey pasta recipe—the hero of my dinner rotation. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you spent all day making it, but it’s actually ready in 30 minutes flat. Magic, right?

I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those “what do I even have in the fridge” moments. Ground turkey, pasta, a few pantry staples, and boom—dinner was served. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting, but still feels light enough to not leave you in a food coma. Perfect for those nights when you need something easy but satisfying.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and ridiculously delicious, you’ve just found it. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Alright, real talk—this creamy ground turkey pasta has become my weeknight MVP. Here’s why:

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for those chaotic evenings when time is not on your side.
Budget-Friendly: Ground turkey is super affordable and stretches far, making this a great recipe for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Comfort with a Twist: It’s creamy and indulgent without being overly heavy, thanks to the lean turkey and light sauce.
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters seem to love this one—my kids polished their plates (and asked for seconds!).
Versatile: You can customize it with veggies, different pasta shapes, or even swap out the protein. It’s a blank canvas for your creativity.

This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Every time I make it, my kitchen smells amazing, and my family can’t wait to dig in.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s the breakdown:

Ground Turkey: 1 lb (450g)—I use lean ground turkey because it’s light but still packs flavor. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground chicken or beef.
Pasta: 12 oz (340g)—I love rotini or penne for this recipe because the sauce clings to them perfectly, but any pasta shape works.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml)—This makes the sauce luscious and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml)—Adds depth and keeps the sauce from being overly thick. I always use low-sodium broth so I can control the salt.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—Fresh garlic is a must for that bold flavor. Trust me, the jarred stuff won’t do it justice.
Onion: 1 small, diced—Adds sweetness and rounds out the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g), grated—The salty richness ties everything together. Use freshly grated if possible (worth it!).
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp—For sautéing the turkey and veggies.
Salt & Pepper: To taste—Seasoning is everything, so taste as you go.
Optional Add-Ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and texture.

Quick note: You can easily adjust this recipe to include what you already have. I’ve made it with frozen spinach and canned mushrooms in a pinch, and it still turned out great!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this—just a few basics:

Large skillet: For cooking the turkey and sauce. I use my trusty non-stick pan.
Medium pot: To boil the pasta. Any basic pot will do.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring things up.
Colander: To drain the pasta. I promise, it’s worth the extra dish.
Microplane or cheese grater: For grating Parmesan—you’ll thank me later.

That’s it! Nothing fancy, just practical tools that make cooking easy.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save about ½ cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.
Sauté Onion & Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, reducing slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and turkey. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir until everything is coated and heated through.
Serve & Enjoy: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

That’s it—easy, right?

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s what I’ve learned after making this recipe a million times:

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Adding a splash of starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and makes it silky smooth.
Use Fresh Parmesan: The pre-grated stuff doesn’t melt as well and doesn’t have the same flavor punch.
Season As You Go: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper. This makes all the difference.
Make It Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Add Veggies: Sneak in spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients without extra effort. They cook down beautifully in the sauce.

These little tricks will take your pasta game to the next level!

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here’s how to keep it fresh:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella for an extra gooey texture.
Veggie Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli or roasted cherry tomatoes for color and flavor.
Herb Swap: Replace parsley with fresh basil for a different vibe.
Protein Switch: Use ground chicken, Italian sausage, or even tofu as an alternative to turkey.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—this dish is super forgiving!

Serving Ideas & Storage

Here’s how to make the most of your creamy ground turkey pasta:

Serving Suggestions:

Dinner: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Lunch: Pack leftovers in an airtight container for an easy work lunch.
Pasta Bake: Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Instant casserole!

Storage Tips:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Use a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to revive the sauce when reheating.

Pro tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day—the flavors just keep getting better!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Let’s break it down (per serving, approx.):

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
420	25g	40g	15g

This dish is packed with protein from the turkey and Parmesan cheese, plus carbs for energy. Using heavy cream adds richness, but the lean turkey keeps it feeling light.

It’s not exactly “diet food,” but it’s a far better choice than takeout, and you know exactly what’s in it!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—my creamy ground turkey pasta recipe! This dish has saved me more times than I can count, and I hope it does the same for you.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re just craving something comforting, this pasta is always a hit. Make it your own with the mix-ins and variations, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation.

If you try this, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @[your handle]—I always get excited seeing your creations.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

A: Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar flavor. I’ve done it, and the results were great.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

A: Rotini and penne are my favorites because they hold the sauce well, but honestly, anything goes. Even spaghetti works!

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Q: How do I know the sauce is thick enough?

A: It should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

A: Definitely! Double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or two pans. It’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

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