Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
A delicious baked pasta dish featuring ground turkey, melted cheese, and hearty pasta, served in a ceramic baking dish garnished with fresh herbs.

Ultimate Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta Bake: Easy Family Dinner

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Discover the ultimate Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta Bake, a hearty and delicious family comfort food recipe that combines flavorful ground turkey, tender pasta, and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make dish is customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices for a nutritious and satisfying meal everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound of ground turkey
  • 12 ounces of pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni work well)
  • 1 cup of marinara sauce
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned and cooked through. Add vegetables if using and cook until tender.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Mix in cooked pasta, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Broil for 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy top if desired.

Notes

  • For added flavor, top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables for extra nutrition.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
  • This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy, Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg