High in protein, low in saturated fat and with a neutral flavor that fits into so many cuisines, ground turkey is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat on any meal or wellness plan. What makes these recipes even better is that by adding pasta, you have an all in one meal that offers healthy fats, proteins, vegetables and grains in one easy dish.
So you have your base of ground turkey and pasta, but what else to add? The possibilities are endless! The recipes with ground turkey and pasta in this list range from Mexican-inspired to authentic Italian dishes, but all are simple, delicious and sure to please whomever you are serving.
1. Turkey Pasta Primavera
Traditionally a dish made with vegetables and pasta, the addition of ground turkey to this primavera recipe makes it a delicious, high-protein dinner that is both satisfying and nutritious. Full of color and flavor, in italian primavera means spring, which is the perfect time to make this recipe with fresh vegetables from the garden. This is a well-balanced recipe that has less oil and fat than the traditional version but still retains the creaminess and full cheesy flavor.
2. Turkey Spaghetti
A traditional meat-sauce and spaghetti dish can be high in saturated fat and is often a little too oily to be able to enjoy large amounts. This version uses the leaner option of ground turkey and a tangy, spicy tomato sauce twirled through tender spaghetti to make a lighter version of a classic that will please even the most staunch red meat lovers.
3. Baked Ziti with Spicy Ground Turkey
A cheesy, meaty pasta dish baked in the oven is one of life’s simple pleasures and pasta bake is on the menu in our house at least once a week. If your family enjoys pasta but you like knowing they’re getting a full nutritious meal, this is definitely one to save to your ‘to-try’ list. What’s even better is that this recipe uses ingredients you are likely to already have on hand. Make sure you don’t over boil the pasta as it will continue to cook in the sauce when it bakes and soggy pasta is not what we want here!
4. One Skillet Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta
One-pot dinners are a lifesaver for busy weeknights and knowing there aren’t many dishes to wash makes this recipe taste that much sweeter. Simply brown the turkey and vegetables in the skillet then add the spices and tomatoes, mix in pasta and sprinkle with cheese. Then the oven does the rest! So for a dinner with minimal effort and maximum results, try this one skillet cheesy ground pasta that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
5. Turkey Taco Pasta
The perfect combination of taco spices and cheesy, meaty pasta, this is definitely one to make if you love the classic mexican spices but just can’t go past a good cheesy pasta. Made a little lighter by using ground turkey instead of ground beef, there isn’t much involved in this recipe. You cook everything up in one pan, so next taco night try this pasta for a change of pace and less clean up!
6. Turkey Florentine Pasta Bake
This ground turkey pasta, with the added pop of fresh spinach and tangy marinara, is a delicious way to combine your greens, protein and grains into one delicious, easy to make dish. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a great option for a weeknight meal when takeout feels so tempting.
7. Easy Gnocchi Recipe with Bolognese Sauce and Ground Turkey
Ok, so gnocchi isn’t technically a pasta. They are more like tiny Italian potato dumplings, but they are available alongside pasta in most supermarkets and this recipe is so drool-worthy I had to include it. This recipe serves them dunked in a meaty red sauce without using a dozen dishes in the process. Quick, easy and low-mess, this ground turkey bolognese has a permanent place in my bi-weekly meal rotation.
8. Ground Turkey Alfredo Casserole
If a comforting alfredo doesn’t sound tasty enough, try taking all the flavors of traditional alfredo and turning them into a healthier, high-protein meal by adding perfectly seasoned ground turkey and mushrooms. Using turkey cuts down on the saturated fat and the mozzarella offers a super cheesy finish you won’t be able to get enough of. Add in some riced cauliflower, chopped broccoli or spinach are also great options to add if you happen to have them available.
9. Pink Pasta Sauce with Ground Turkey
Pink pasta sauce is a name for the delightful color that comes from mixing tomato cream and cheese together. Adding ground turkey to this delectable cheesy mix takes any dish to a whole other level. If you’re wanting a pasta recipe a bit different than the usual, simply brown off some turkey while the pink sauce of cream cheese, tomato puree and spices is cooking, then combine it all together with the pasta and bake. Simple, easy and inexpensive, this dish is so good it might just become your new favorite pasta recipe.
10. Healthy, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Ground Turkey Pasta
A light, flavorful dish, this pasta recipe is the ideal spring recipe whether you need a quick, healthy lunch recipe or something to serve next time you host dinner with friends. Instead of using heavy cream, this recipe uses Greek yogurt which serves to increase the protein of the meal and to make it super smooth. You can even add a little more if you like your pasta extra creamy. Finished with parmesan and red pepper, and a few extra sundried tomatoes, this meal is bursting with flavor and textures.
