Dinner

Ground Turkey Pasta with Creamy Tomato and Cheese Sauce Recipe

BySana Jeannette December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Combining lean turkey with a flavorful tomato cream sauce and melty cheese, it’s both hearty and satisfying.

The dish is a close-up of a deep white pot filled with baked pasta. The bottom layer shows a rich tomato sauce mixed with pieces of cooked ground meat and halved red cherry tomatoes. On top of that is a layer of cooked penne pasta coated in the sauce, with some pieces slightly covered by the melted bright orange cheese that blankets the dish. The cheese is lightly speckled with small green herb pieces and red pepper flakes, adding color contrast. A metal spoon is inside the pot, scooping some pasta near the edge. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced
1 lb ground turkey

2 teaspoons salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup half and half

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, to garnish

Red chili flakes, to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding at least 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the boiling pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the diced onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the pan and cook over medium to medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Once cooked through, season with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Sprinkle the turkey with the flour and mix well to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and pour in the half and half. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Adjust the sauce consistency by slowly adding more chicken broth or reserved pasta water for a thinner sauce, or additional half and half for a creamier texture.
Step 7: Season with the remaining salt and pepper to taste. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 8: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook until the cheese melts. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and red chili flakes if using, and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef if preferred.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Add chopped spinach or mushrooms when cooking the onions for more veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish in a white pan filled with cooked penne pasta mixed with chunks of light brown cooked ground meat and halved bright red cherry tomatoes. The pasta is covered with a thick layer of melted orange-yellow cheese, sprinkled with green herbs and small red pepper flakes. The sauce beneath the cheese appears creamy and reddish, with visible bits of meat and vegetables. A metal spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, lifting some pasta and sauce. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.