Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe Youll Love

Posted on November 20, 2025

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The first time I pulled this creamy ground turkey pasta bake out of the oven, the warm, bubbling cheese and golden crust were almost too tempting to wait for it to cool. The aroma of garlic, oregano, and perfectly seasoned turkey filled the kitchen, and I knew I had stumbled upon something magic. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to call up your entire family just to share the joy. My kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and my husband declared it his new favorite dish. So, now it’s become one of those staple meals that always delivers easy comfort when life gets a bit chaotic—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: It’s ready in under an hour, and most of that time is hands-off while it bakes to bubbly perfection.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely have most of the items on hand, and the rest are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike—no picky eaters here!
Comfort Food Done Right: Creamy pasta, savory ground turkey, and gooey cheese come together to create the ultimate comfort food.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences without sacrificing flavor.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors—the seasoned ground turkey pairs beautifully with the rich creaminess of the sauce and the satisfying bite of al dente pasta. Plus, the crispy golden cheese crust will have you fighting over the last cheesy bite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this creamy ground turkey pasta bake is guaranteed to impress.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground turkey: Lean ground turkey is the star of the show here. It’s a lighter alternative to ground beef and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Pasta: Penne works wonderfully, but you could use rigatoni, ziti, or even shells if that’s what you have on hand.
Olive oil: To sauté your aromatics and give the turkey a rich, savory base.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a fragrant kick to the dish.
Onion: Diced yellow onion for sweetness and depth of flavor.
Canned crushed tomatoes: These form the base of your sauce and provide that tangy, tomatoey goodness.
Tomato paste: Adds concentrated flavor and richness to the sauce.
Heavy cream: This is key for creating that creamy texture (you can swap with half-and-half for a lighter option).
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty bite to the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella creates the gooey, melty topping we all love.
Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to season your sauce perfectly.
Salt & pepper: To taste, because no dish is complete without these staples.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color.

Optional ingredients: You can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or toss in some spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed, and almond milk can substitute heavy cream for a dairy-free option.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy ground turkey pasta bake:

Large skillet: Perfect for browning the turkey and sautéing the aromatics.
Large pot: To boil your pasta. A heavy-bottomed pot works best to prevent sticking.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal for layering the pasta and baking to perfection.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring your sauce and ensuring everything is mixed evenly.
Colander: For draining your pasta.

If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use a deep oven-safe skillet or even individual ramekins for single servings. A silicone spatula is also handy for scraping every last bit of sauce from the pan.

Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Let this simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken and deepen in flavor.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until well combined. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and mix well until every piece is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, covering the pasta completely.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish before serving.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tricks I’ve picked up while making this recipe:

Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can have added fillers that affect the texture and melting. Freshly grated cheese melts into the sauce beautifully.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, cooking it until al dente will ensure it doesn’t turn mushy.
Layer the cheese evenly: Make sure to distribute the mozzarella across the top evenly for that perfect cheesy crust.
Broiling for the win: If you’re craving extra crispiness, turn on your broiler for a few minutes at the end of baking—but watch closely to avoid burning!
Add veggies: Finely chopped spinach or even shredded zucchini can be added to the sauce for extra nutrition without overpowering the dish.

Variations & Adaptations

This creamy ground turkey pasta bake is versatile. Here are some ideas for switching things up:

Gluten-free option: Swap out traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea or lentil-based pasta works great in this recipe!
Vegetarian version: Replace ground turkey with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also just load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Add spice: For a kick, mix in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while making the sauce.
Cheese alternatives: Use dairy-free mozzarella and coconut cream for a vegan-friendly dish.
Protein swaps: If turkey isn’t your thing, try ground chicken or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This creamy ground turkey pasta bake is best served hot, straight out of the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a simple green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone happy.

Got leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop a serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time, assemble it fully and refrigerate (without baking) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This creamy ground turkey pasta bake is a balanced meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional highlights:

Protein-packed: Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, making this dish filling and satisfying.
Calcium-rich: The cheese and cream contribute to your daily calcium intake.
Energy-boosting carbs: The pasta provides a hearty source of carbohydrates to keep you energized.
Customizable for diets: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free lifestyles.

With wholesome ingredients and a touch of indulgence, this recipe is a great choice for a balanced family meal. Be mindful of portion sizes, as the creamy sauce brings some richness!

Conclusion

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, delicious, and simple to make, this creamy ground turkey pasta bake is your answer. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a cozy dish to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion.

I love this recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying—plus, it’s a breeze to whip up. I hope you love it as much as my family does!

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you make any fun twists? Share your own adaptations—I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I freeze this pasta bake? Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pasta bake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe? Penne is my top choice, but other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti work just as well.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey? Absolutely! Ground beef or even ground chicken can be swapped without issue.
How do I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the dish up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

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creamy ground turkey pasta bake recipe