Ground Turkey Pasta (One-Pot, Cozy & Hearty)
Savory weeknight magic: this cozy ground turkey pasta simmers with fresh oregano, garlic, and a rich red sauce. Feeds hungry mouths, fast.Everything cooks in one pan, including the pasta! Comforting, saucy, and family-approved, it's a 30-minute dinner hero with minimal cleanup.
4
servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp fresh oregano chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) black pepper
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta uncooked (or penne, shells, etc.)
- 24 oz (680 g) jarred pasta sauce your favorite variety
- 2 cups (470 ml) chicken broth preferably low-sodium
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese freshly grated, for serving
Optional Ingredients & Variations
- crushed red pepper flakes to taste (for heat)
- extra veggies (spinach, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini)
- mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (for Parmesan)
Instructions
- Brown the turkey, onion, and garlic: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and chopped onion. Cook, stirring and breaking up turkey, for about 6-8 minutes, until turkey is browned and onions are soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season and stir in pasta: Sprinkle in fresh oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add uncooked rotini pasta and toss everything together.
- Add sauce and broth, then boil: Pour in the jarred pasta sauce and chicken broth. Stir well, increase heat, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cover and cook on low: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 7-10 minutes. Stir once or twice; cook until pasta is just al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Top and serve: Remove from heat. Stir well and let sit uncovered 2-3 minutes for sauce to thicken. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra oregano, if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
Freezer: Cooled pasta freezes up to 2 months. Defrost overnight and reheat slowly, adding liquid as needed. Variations: Substitute ground chicken, beef, or plant crumbles. Toss in extra veggies (spinach, mushrooms, zucchini) with the onion step. Top with mozzarella for a cheesy finish!
Freezer: Cooled pasta freezes up to 2 months. Defrost overnight and reheat slowly, adding liquid as needed. Variations: Substitute ground chicken, beef, or plant crumbles. Toss in extra veggies (spinach, mushrooms, zucchini) with the onion step. Top with mozzarella for a cheesy finish!
Nutrition
Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 950mg | Potassium: 870mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 3.5mg