Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet – A One-Pan, Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinner

When you need a comforting, hearty, and quick dinner that uses simple ingredients but tastes incredible, Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet is the perfect answer. This one-pan dish brings together browned ground turkey, tender pasta, aromatic garlic and onions, and a silky tomato-based sauce—all cooked together in the same skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ground turkey is the hero protein in so many kitchens because it’s lean, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. But the secret to making it taste exceptional lies in seasoning, browning, and pairing it with a flavorful sauce. When you combine it with pasta cooked directly in the broth and sauce, you get a creamy, rich texture without needing heavy cream.

The result?
A deeply satisfying pasta dinner that feels like comfort food but is also lighter and packed with protein.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. It’s customizable, beginner-friendly, and consistently reliable every single time.

Why This Recipe Works

1. One-skillet convenience

No boiling pasta separately. Everything cooks in the same pan, absorbing the sauce’s flavor.

2. Browning the turkey builds flavor

Golden edges bring depth and richness to the sauce.

3. Tomato + broth + pasta starch = natural creaminess

You get a silky sauce without needing extra fat.

4. Balanced and nutritious

Lean protein + carbs + optional veggies = a complete meal.

5. Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly

Everyone loves it, leftovers reheat beautifully, and no special ingredients required.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, etc.)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers

Instructions

1. Heat the skillet.
   Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the turkey.
   Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add onion and garlic.
   Stir in diced onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
4. Season.
   Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Add tomato sauce.
   Stir in the tomato sauce and let it coat the turkey mixture.
6. Add pasta and broth.
   Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked pasta. Stir to combine.
7. Simmer.
   Bring to a light boil, then cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
8. Add butter and cheese.
   Stir in butter and grated parmesan to make the sauce silky and rich.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning.
   Add more salt, pepper, or parmesan if needed.
10. Serve.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.

Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet

A hearty, flavorful one-pan skillet meal made with ground turkey, pasta, tomato sauce, and simple seasonings. Easy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked pasta short pasta
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp butter
• 0.5 cup parmesan grated
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
3. Stir in onion and cook until softened; add garlic and cook 1 minute.
4. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in tomato sauce to coat the turkey.
6. Add uncooked pasta and chicken broth; stir well.
7. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
8. Stir in butter and parmesan to create a creamy sauce.
9. Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables, or extra parmesan for a cheesy finish.

Tips for Success

Stir occasionally

Since pasta cooks in sauce, stirring prevents sticking.

Taste before salting

Parmesan and broth already add saltiness.

Add more liquid if needed

If sauce thickens too quickly, splash in extra broth.

Choose a sturdy pasta

Short shapes work best and cook evenly in a skillet.

Brown the turkey well

Letting it caramelize brings huge flavor.

Variations

Creamy Version

Add ⅓ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Veggie-Packed Version

Add zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, or peas.

Cheesy Version

Stir in mozzarella or extra parmesan.

Tomato-Free

Replace tomato sauce with additional broth + a splash of cream.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this skillet with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli
• A simple side salad

It stands alone as a full meal, or you can stretch it for larger families.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Up to 4 days
• Freezer: Pasta softens but still freezes for 2 months
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth and warm on the stove or microwave

Why You’ll Make This on Repeat

• One-pan
• Fast
• Budget-friendly
• High protein
• Customizable
• Family-approved

This is exactly the kind of dependable, delicious weeknight dinner that becomes a staple in any kitchen.