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4.7 from 267 votes

Ground Turkey Pasta

This easy weeknight Ground Turkey Pasta combines lean ground turkey, tender pasta shells, and a rich, savory tomato sauce in 30 minutes or less. Perfect for families and customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 569 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. medium shell pasta or pasta of choice
  • 1 lb. (16 oz.) ground turkey
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced small
  • 4 oz. white mushrooms, thinly sliced or diced small
  • 1/2 large white onion, diced
  • 1 tsp. salt (taste and add more as desired)
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1, (15oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Boil the water for the pasta and follow directions on the shell pasta box. Typically 8-10 minutes to cook medium shells.
  2. In a Dutch oven or wide stock pot, heat 2 Tbsp. of the olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground turkey. Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain excess fat/liquid in the pan and place the ground turkey in a bowl and set aside.
  3. Then, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Sauté the garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until fragrant (about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally). Then, whisk in the flour until combined.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce and let it come to a simmer. Then add in the cooked ground turkey.
  5. Pour in the cooked shells or pasta of choice, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir to combine.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper or other seasonings as desired. It may seem soupy initially; just simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens. If you would like it creamier, add more heavy cream. Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese and enjoy! The pasta will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Other seasonings that make a great addition but are not necessary include garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seed, red pepper chili flakes, dried oregano, and even a pinch of cayenne. 
  • To make as a pasta bake: Cook the recipe as written, and then place everything in an oven-safe dish (or leave it in a Dutch oven), top with Parmesan or even shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 350° F. for an additional 20 minutes or until everything is hot and bubbly. 
  • Other seasonings that make a great addition but are not necessary include garlic powder, onion powder, fennel seed, red pepper chili flakes, dried oregano, and even a pinch of cayenne. 
  • You may substitute shell pasta for a different-shaped pasta, such as rotini or penne. I've even made it with cheese tortellini and added spinach for a fun twist!
  • If you make it with more pasta (16 oz box of shells), add in more heavy cream or tomato sauce. 
  • To make as a pasta bake: Cook the recipe as written, and then place everything in an oven-safe dish (or leave it in a Dutch oven), top with Parmesan or even shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 350° F. for an additional 20 minutes or until everything is hot and bubbly. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 569kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 51g (17%) Protein 32g (64%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 92mg (31%) Sodium 487mg (20%) Potassium 571mg (16%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1112IU (22%) Vitamin C 19mg (21%) Calcium 166mg (17%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 569

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 569kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 51g 17%
Protein 32g 64%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Cholesterol 92mg 31%
Sodium 487mg 20%
Potassium 571mg 12%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1112IU 22%
Vitamin C 19mg 21%
Calcium 166mg 17%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.