Go Back
A savory ground turkey pasta dinner served in a bowl.

Hearty Ground Turkey and Tomato Pasta Skillet

This one-pan pasta dish features a rich and savory tomato sauce with lean ground turkey, perfectly combined with your favorite pasta for a comforting and easy meal. It's a quick and flavorful dinner solution that's sure to please the whole family.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Skillet
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice e.g., penne, rotini, spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth optional
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water; drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the ground turkey, breaking it up until fully cooked.
  4. Drain any excess fat from the turkey, then add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
  9. Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and ground turkey, tossing until well coated.
  10. If needed, add a splash more pasta water to loosen the dish.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients. This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep!