Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Name: Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 8 ounces whole wheat pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Food Favorites

I love making this Ground Turkey Pasta Bake because it combines comfort food with a healthy twist. It's a hearty dish that even the pickiest eaters love, and it brings everyone to the table. The ground turkey provides a lean protein option, while the pasta and cheese create a deliciously creamy texture that’s hard to resist. Plus, it's easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner choice for our busy family. I can whip it up in under an hour, and the leftovers are just as good, if not better!

Created by

Beatrice Holloway

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:29:36.296Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was surprised by how well the flavors meld together. The combination of ground turkey, marinara sauce, and three types of cheese creates a savory symphony that is simply irresistible. I learned that using whole wheat pasta not only makes it healthier but also adds a nice nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

What I love most about this dish is that it’s versatile. You can throw in any vegetables you have on hand—from spinach to bell peppers—making it a great way to use up leftovers. Each time I make it, I try to mix things up a little, and it never disappoints!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, savory flavor that everyone enjoys
Easy to customize with your favorite veggies
Perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd

The Role of Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is a fantastic lean protein choice for this pasta bake. It not only lowers the dish's overall fat content compared to traditional beef or pork but also absorbs the flavors of the spices and sauce beautifully. When cooked, ensure to break it apart thoroughly with a wooden spoon to encourage even browning. This releases savory juices, making every bite of the bake rich in flavor.

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, ground chicken or even plant-based alternatives like lentils can be used in place of turkey. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, especially if you're using more fibrous ingredients like lentils, which will need to be pre-cooked before mixing.

Choosing the Right Pasta

For this recipe, whole wheat pasta is used to add fiber and nutrition, but the choice of pasta shape can greatly impact the texture of your bake. I recommend using shapes like penne or fusilli, which hold onto the sauce better, ensuring a good distribution of flavors throughout the dish. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.

If you have dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance, you can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta options. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully, as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster and can become overly soft if cooked too long.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Ground Turkey Pasta Bake makes for excellent leftovers! To store, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions, wrapped tightly in foil, for up to three months. Just be sure to label them with the date to keep track.

When reheating, you can use the oven for best results. Cover the dish with foil to keep it from drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes. If you prefer using the microwave, heat individual portions at medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
8 ounces whole wheat pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Turkey

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking the turkey into smaller pieces, until fully browned.

Combine Ingredients

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and cooked pasta. Mix until everything is well combined.

Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Pasta Bake!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or spinach to the turkey while cooking. You can also replace the whole wheat pasta with gluten-free or higher-protein pasta to suit your dietary needs.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavor of your Ground Turkey Pasta Bake, consider adding a splash of red wine to the turkey while it cooks. This will deepen the overall flavor profile. Additionally, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving for a burst of freshness.

A touch of crushed red pepper flakes mixed into the marinara sauce can add a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. Just a teaspoon will go a long way, but adjust it according to your heat preference.

Vegetable Additions

Incorporating vegetables into the bake not only enhances its nutritional value but also adds texture and flavor. Consider sautéing diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini along with the turkey for a colorful and colorful mix. If you’re using frozen vegetables, add them directly to the pasta mixture with the marinara sauce, as they will cook through during baking.

You can also add a layer of steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables on top before adding the cheese for a delightful surprise in every bite. Just ensure that these additions are cut into small, bite-sized pieces to maintain an even bake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

→ What can I substitute for ground turkey?

You can use ground chicken or lean ground beef as an alternative. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit the meat you choose.

→ Is it okay to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Portion the leftovers in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in any of your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.