Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet – A Cozy, One-Pan Weeknight Favorite

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a skillet full of hearty pasta simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce — especially when it all comes together in one pan and takes less than 30 minutes. This Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet is everything a weeknight dinner should be: warm, satisfying, healthy, budget-friendly, and unbelievably easy. It’s a cozy, homespun kind of dish that tastes like it simmered for hours even though it cooks in no time.

Ground turkey is the star here, offering a leaner alternative to beef without sacrificing flavor. Paired with pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and melty cheese, it transforms into a hearty, filling meal that feels nostalgic yet modern. The magic of this recipe lies in cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the savory flavors of the turkey and aromatics, resulting in a skillet full of rich, saucy goodness.

As everything simmers together, the pasta becomes perfectly tender, the sauce thickens into a creamy tomato base, and the turkey soaks up every bit of seasoning. Then, just before serving, a sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully into the skillet, bringing everything together in a warm embrace of cozy flavor.

This is the kind of meal that calls the family to the dinner table before you even say a word. It’s unfussy, deeply comforting, and endlessly customizable — perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave a big bowl of comforting pasta without the mess of multiple pots. Below is your complete guide, from ingredients to tips and variations.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, or elbows)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
• 1/3 cup parmesan (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for serving

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Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir well.
6. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
7. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
8. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
9. Add parmesan if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
10. Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

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Tips & Tricks

• If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking.
• For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered during the last 2 minutes.
• Add crushed red pepper for a spicy version.
• A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the flavor beautifully.

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Variations

• Veggie-Loaded: Add spinach, mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini when sautéing onions.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or 3 tablespoons cream cheese.
• Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning and corn; top with cheddar.
• Cheeseburger Style: Use cheddar and pickles for a fun twist.
• Low-Carb Swap: Sub pasta for cauliflower florets (reduce liquid slightly).

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Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread or Texas toast
• Simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan garlic knots

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Storage Information

• Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth or marinara.
• Freezes well for up to 2 months (add cheese after thawing for best texture).

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FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes — add 2–3 minutes extra cooking time.

Can I use ground chicken or beef?
Either works perfectly.

Why isn’t my pasta soft enough?
Add a little more broth and cook 2–3 minutes longer.

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History / Fun Facts

Skillet pasta dishes gained popularity in the U.S. in the mid-20th century as families sought quick, filling meals using affordable pantry ingredients. Cooking pasta directly in the sauce is inspired by Italian one-pot methods, where starch from the pasta naturally thickens the dish. Ground turkey became a staple in lighter American cooking in the early 2000s, making this dish a perfect blend of classic comfort and modern health-minded cooking.