Description
Get ready to fall in love with this cozy, family-favorite Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake. It’s the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights, made with lean ground turkey, tender pasta, and layers of melted cheese. This easy recipe delivers a satisfying blend of savory flavor and hearty comfort, making it a must for your list of dinner ideas, food ideas, and weeknight meals. Whether you’re meal prepping or craving something warm and cheesy, this is a healthy-ish, easy recipe you’ll want to save!
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and ground turkey. Cook until turkey is browned.
4. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Combine the cooked pasta and sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir in half the mozzarella and all the parmesan.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue baking in the oven.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
This dish freezes well—perfect for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg