Ground Turkey Baked Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
433 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Ground Turkey Baked Pasta Recipe
Description
This Ground Turkey Baked Pasta Recipe features browned ground turkey cooked with onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning, combined with marinara sauce and fresh basil to create a flavorful meat sauce. It is gently folded with cooked whole wheat pasta shells, assembling a balanced dish combining protein, carbohydrates, and herbs. Mozzarella cheese sprinkled over the top melts in the oven to form a bubbly golden crust that complements the savory filling.
The dish is baked until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly, melding flavors and warming through the ingredients evenly. Fresh basil garnish adds a bright finish and herbal note to the rich casserole.
Practical storage tips include refrigerating leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days and reheating by microwave or oven. The baked pasta can also be frozen for up to 3 months without thawing—bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure thorough heating. Alternatively, the dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge unbaked for a day, making it convenient for planning meals in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped, medium
- 1 pound ground turkey lean
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup basil plus more for garnishing, fresh
- 12 ounces whole wheat pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook whole wheat pasta shells according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, add the onions and ground turkey and cook until the turkey is browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another 2 minutes until well combined.
- Add in the marinara sauce and fresh basil, then stir in the cooked pasta.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with more fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days; reheat in microwave or oven.
- You can freeze the unbaked pasta casserole for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen adding about 20 extra minutes.
- Prepare the dish ahead by assembling and keeping it in the fridge unbaked for up to one day before cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 433 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 433kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 620mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 588mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 605IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 285mg | 29% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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