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This hearty and cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta is the perfect quick-fix weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with lean protein, tender pasta, vibrant bell peppers, and just the right amount of spice from taco seasoning and salsa.
This Ground Turkey Pasta is one of those easy, reliable dinners I turn to when I need something fast, filling, and approved by the whole clan. With lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, a jar of salsa, and a little taco seasoning there’s a lot of flavor here without a whole lot of effort. Melted cheddar on top finishes it off in the best way so it’s gooey, savory, and satisfying.
You can switch up the protein or even use cauliflower rice instead of pasta if you want a lighter version. It also holds up great for meal prep, so you can make a big batch and have leftovers ready to go!
If you love cozy, flavor-packed meals that the whole family will actually eat, you might also enjoy my Cheeseburger Casserole or this creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
Recipe Overview
Before You Get Started
A few helpful tips before you dive in:
- Use freshly grated cheddar for that creamy, full-flavor melt. Pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t have the same magic.
- I used 85% lean ground turkey meat for the best texture and flavor. Sometimes I use 90%.
- Cook peppers and onions in small, even pieces so they blend into the sauce and no one complains about chunky veggies.
- Don’t skip the salt when cooking the pasta, and remember to save some of the pasta water for later – it will help to thicken the sauce.
- Try to cook your pasta just shy of al dente since it’ll soften a bit more when you mix it in.
Ingredients needed
Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this turkey pasta. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.
How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta
Here’s how to get perfect results every time:
1️⃣ Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain.
✏️ Don’t skip the salt. It helps season the pasta from the inside out. Save that pasta water to bring the sauce together later.
2️⃣ Brown the Ground Turkey
While the pasta cooks, heat oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook to a golden brown, breaking it up as it browns. Stir in taco seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
✏️ You do not have to use ground turkey. You can use ground beef instead if you like.
3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
Add in the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are soft.
✏️ Keep the veggies chopped small so they cook quickly and blend into the sauce better.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
Pour in the salsa, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and reserved pasta water, then bring it to a boil. Stir well and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
✏️ If you do forget the pasta water, it is ok. Use broth or plain water.
5️⃣ Add the Pasta and Cheese
Stir in the cooked pasta and sprinkle with the cheese. Place the lid on and
Remove from heat.
✏️ You can use any blend of shredded cheese if you like.
6️⃣ Let It Rest and Serve
Leave the skillet covered for 3–5 minutes, then give everything a good stir and serve.
Variations & Tips
→ Adjust the heat to your taste: add red pepper flakes or a spicier salsa for more kick, or tone it down with mild salsa and plain diced tomatoes.
→ Try a different protein. Ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles all work great here.
→ Make it Vegan: Easily swap the turkey for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
→ Switch up the cheese. Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free option if needed.
→ Make it low-carb by swapping the pasta for cauliflower rice. Just stir it in and heat through at the end.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Ground Turkey Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces short pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 pound ground turkey, 85%lean
- 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 bell peppers, different colors, seeded and finely diced
- 2-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ounces mild salsa, one can
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes, with juices
- 1 1/2 cups cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional:
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the 16 ounces short pasta of choice in salted water according to package directions to al dente. When the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of water, then drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet that has a lid, heat the 1 tablespoon avocado oil and add the 1 pound ground turkey. Cook and mince it with a wooden spoon, then stir with 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning, a pinch of Kosher salt and pepper.
- Add in the 1 medium sweet onion, 2 bell peppers, and 2-4 garlic cloves (minced). Cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the 15 ounces mild salsa, 14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes, and pasta water and bring the sauce to a boil. Stir well and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and sprinkle with the 1 1/2 cups cup shredded cheddar cheese. Place the lid on and remove from the heat.
- Allow the pasta to sit in the skillet, with the lid on, for 3-5 minutes, to allow the cheese to melt. Serve with Fresh cilantro and lime wedges if you like.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar for the best melt and flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or spicy salsa to boost heat.
- Swap in ground beef, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes can be replaced with plain diced tomatoes to reduce spice.
- Use reserved pasta water to help bring the sauce together.
- Let sit covered for 3-5 minutes so cheese melts fully.
Storage and Make Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to serve with ground turkey pasta
This dish is filling and flavorful on its own, but a simple side can pull the whole meal together, especially if you’re feeding a hungry crew. I like pairing it with some bread to soak up the sauce and the end, and some extra veggies.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Garlic Roasted Broccolini
- Roasted Garlic Green Beans
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables
You may also like
- Easy Cheeseburger Pasta
- Ground Turkey Chili
- Turkey Lemon Rice Soup
- Healthy Turkey Meatballs
- Ground Turkey Meatloaf
