Description

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta—a quick dinner recipe that’s creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious blend of lean ground turkey, tender pasta, and melted cheese in every bite. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas to satisfy the whole family or craving a hearty meal that comes together fast, this dish delivers.

It’s everything you love about cheesy pasta dishes, but made lighter with ground turkey and simple pantry ingredients. The creamy cheese sauce clings to each piece of pasta, while savory turkey and aromatic spices bring depth and heartiness. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out—perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need some delicious food ideas. Ideal as a main dish or reheated for lunch the next day, this is one easy dinner recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)

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

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup milk or heavy cream

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned.
Stir in drained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-6 minutes.
Lower heat and pour in milk or cream. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish