Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

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Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food—Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta. This hearty, satisfying dish brings together tender pasta, savory ground turkey, and a luscious, velvety cheese sauce for a one-pan meal that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family come running to the table.

Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this cheesy pasta is both flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare. The creamy cheese melts into the rich turkey and tomato base, while herbs and spices add depth and warmth to every bite. Whether you’re craving cozy comfort food or need a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner idea, Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta delivers every time.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni work great)
• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you’re feeling cheesy!)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
• Grated Parmesan for topping (optional but recommended)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t rinse—it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta later.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender.

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Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.

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Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Sauce

Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine, letting the mixture simmer for 5-6 minutes so the flavors can meld together. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.

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Step 5: Make it Cheesy

Lower the heat and pour in the milk or cream. Stir to incorporate, then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until everything melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce. This is where the magic happens—watch that sauce get irresistibly gooey.

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Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the cheesy turkey sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two so everything is piping hot and melded beautifully.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and a dusting of grated Parmesan, if desired. Grab your fork and get ready to dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness.

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Storage Instructions

Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta stores wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and stir over medium heat until hot.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~25g
• Saturated Fat: ~11g
• Cholesterol: ~90mg
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: ~620mg

Note: Nutrition will vary slightly based on specific brands and optional toppings used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta is ideal because they hold the cheesy sauce well.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or even sausage can be used as substitutes.

Is it spicy?

Not by default. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy Italian sausage if you’d like a kick.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas blend in beautifully and add extra nutrition.

How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

Use low heat when adding the cheese and stir constantly to prevent clumping or separation.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but feel free to experiment with gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for unique flavors.

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