If you ever feel stuck on what to make with ground turkey or just need some good fall recipes for dinner that do not cost a ton, this is for you. I keep a list of things to make with ground turkey and this pasta is always at the top. It is creamy and cozy and the kind of food that makes everyone chill out for a minute.
There are so many ground turkey meal ideas out there but I like the ones that use what I already got in my pantry. I am talking simple ground turkey recipes, not the kind with 45 steps. If you need quick ground turkey recipes or supper ideas with ground turkey that the kids will actually eat, keep reading. This is one of my favorite easy meals with ground turkey and it has been saving my busy mom life on school nights.
I have tried a lot of ground turkey recipes over the years and this one just works. Whether you call it dinner or supper, it is one of those ground turkey dinner ideas you will want on repeat. If you have ever wondered what to cook with turkey ground meat and not get bored, this is the answer. Seriously, one of the best turkey ground meat recipes we make.
Ingredients You Will Need
You can swap things if needed. Use what you got, no stress.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 12 ounces dry pasta (I used rotini but penne or shells work too)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella mix is great)
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Step By Step Instructions
I promise this is not hard. You can make it while kids are asking 800 questions about dinosaurs.
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Fill a big pot with water and add some salt. It should taste like the sea. Boil the pasta until just soft. Drain and keep a splash of pasta water on the side in case you need it later.
Step 2 – Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat olive oil in a big pan. Toss in the onion and garlic, let them get soft and smell amazing. Add the ground turkey. Stir and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3 – Make the Cheesy Sauce
Pour in the marinara and milk. Stir it around with the turkey. Let it bubble a bit so it all blends together. Add in most of the shredded cheese and mix. It should look creamy and smell like heaven.
Step 4 – Add the Pasta and Finish It Up
Dump the cooked pasta into the pan. Stir everything together so all the noodles get coated in cheesy sauce. Taste and see if it needs more salt or pepper. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Let it melt for a few minutes.
Step 5 – Serve and Watch the Smiles
Scoop into bowls and serve warm. Sometimes I toss a little parsley on top if I feel fancy, but most nights we just eat it as is. My kids always ask for seconds, and I might sneak a few bites straight from the pan.
Real Mom Tips
- You can sneak in veggies like chopped spinach or bell peppers if you want. Nobody even notices.
- Leftovers are even better the next day. Warm with a splash of milk so it stays creamy.
- If you need extra cheesy, just throw more on top. Cheese fixes everything.
Dinner should not make you stressed or broke. This cheesy ground turkey pasta is proof you can have good food without a ton of time or energy. It is the kind of meal that makes my family quiet for five minutes while they eat, and that my friend is priceless.
FAQs About Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe
Yes you can. I used rotini cause that is what I had. Penne, shells or even macaroni all work fine. Any pasta that grabs the sauce is good.
Can I make this ahead of time
Yes. I make it earlier on busy nights. Just warm it later with a splash of milk so it stays creamy. My teens eat the leftovers for lunch too.
What cheese is best
I like a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. Use what you have though. Colby or Monterey Jack also melts nice.
Can I freeze cheesy ground turkey pasta
Yes. Let it cool first. Put in freezer safe containers. Warm later in the oven or microwave with a little milk. It makes a fast meal on busy weeks.
Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe Card
Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 12 ounces dry pasta rotini, penne or shells
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar and mozzarella mix
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just soft. Drain and keep a splash of pasta water if you need it later.
Step 2 – Brown the Turkey
- Heat olive oil in a big skillet. Add onion and garlic. Stir until soft and smelling good. Add ground turkey and break apart with spoon. Cook until no pink. Sprinkle salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
Step 3 – Make the Sauce
- Pour in the marinara and milk. Stir and let bubble. Add most of the cheese and mix until creamy.
Step 4 – Mix Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir well so noodles get coated in sauce. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle rest of cheese on top. Let it melt.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop into bowls. Eat warm. My kids always ask for seconds.
Notes
Tips from This Tired Mama
- Add chopped spinach or bell peppers to sneak in veggies.
- Warm leftovers with a splash of milk so it stays creamy.
- Use any cheese you have. Cheese makes everything better.
Variations
- Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey.
- Swap marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy white version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a tiny kick if your crew likes spice.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a baked pasta twist.
By the time dinner is done at my house the kitchen looks like a storm hit but everyone is smiling. That makes it worth it. This cheesy pasta is one of my favorite dinner ideas with ground turkey because it is easy and the kids actually eat it. I have tried many ground turkey recipes and this one stays on repeat cause it saves me on those busy nights.
If you ever wonder what to make with ground turkey or what to cook with turkey ground meat that does not take hours, this meal is for you. It is one of those easy ground turkey recipes for dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. You can make it fast, it uses simple ground turkey recipes ingredients, and there is nothing fancy about it, just good food.
There are so many things to make with ground turkey but this is one of my top ground turkey meal ideas. It fits right in with other easy meals with ground turkey and works as a good fall recipe for dinner when you need cozy comfort. Even if you need supper ideas with ground turkey for picky eaters, this will help.
I love recipes using ground turkey that let me mix and match. You can change the cheese, swap the pasta, even add veggies. That is what makes these ground turkey dinner ideas so fun. Quick ground turkey recipes like this help me feed three teens without losing my mind.
Next time you need simple ground turkey recipes or just want some meals with ground turkey that make your family full and happy, give this one a try. Cheesy, warm, and easy. That is mom life dinner magic right there.
Leave a Reply