I’m so excited to share this ground turkey pasta recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that just wraps you in comfort without any fuss.
I came up with it on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but not too heavy, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since.
Do you know how it is when you need a quick dinner that still feels like a treat? This is it.
Think of it as your weeknight savior—with simple ingredients, a pan, and a bit of love, you’re sorted.
I adore how the turkey keeps things light while the pasta soaks up all the deliciousness. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up while chatting with your mates or winding down after a busy day.
You don’t need to be a whiz in the kitchen for this one—just a bit of enthusiasm and a hungry tummy. I promise it’ll become one of those recipes you scribble down and pass along to anyone who’ll listen!
Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
This dish is all about balance—lean ground turkey mingling with pasta in a sauce that’s rich but not over the top.
You get that satisfying bite without feeling like you’ve overdone it, which I absolutely love after a long day. It’s quick enough to make when you’re knackered, yet it still feels like you’ve treated yourself to something special.
I’ve kept the flavors simple but punchy—think garlic, a hint of spice, and a good glug of tomato goodness.
You can tweak it to your liking, too—toss in some extra veggies or spice it up if you’re feeling bold. It’s your kitchen, after all!

Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (nice and lean)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Fill a pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the packet—al dente is the goal. Drain it and set aside, keeping it warm.
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While the pasta’s bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes—give it a stir now and then.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells divine. Then, crumble in the ground turkey. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and happy.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens a bit.
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Tip the cooked pasta into the skillet with the turkey sauce. Give it all a good toss so every bit of pasta gets coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat to soak up the flavors.
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Scatter over the torn basil and a generous dusting of Parmesan before serving. Spoon it into bowls and dig in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 620mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
You’ll want to use a skillet big enough to toss the pasta and sauce together without everything spilling over—I learned that the hard way once!
If you’ve got leftovers, they keep beautifully in the fridge for a couple of days; just add a splash of water when reheating to loosen things up. And don’t be shy with the Parmesan—it’s the crowning glory here.