Name: Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 12 oz rigatoni pasta; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

I’ve always loved hearty, comforting meals that come together without a fuss—especially on weeknights when time is short and hunger is high. This Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for leftovers to enjoy the next day, this recipe is a lifesaver.

Using ground turkey keeps it light, while the cheesy sauce gives it that indulgent, soul-satisfying quality we all crave. The rigatoni soaks up every drop of that velvety sauce, and each bite is loaded with juicy meat, rich flavor, and a touch of sharp parmesan. It’s a one-pan kind of magic that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist that cheesy goodness.
Lighter than beef: Ground turkey provides a leaner protein option.
Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy, cozy—everything you want in a pasta dish.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta?

I personally love using rigatoni for this dish. Its ridges are perfect for catching all that luscious, cheesy sauce, and the hollow center gives every bite a burst of flavor. But you’re not limited to rigatoni—penne, rotini, shells, or even macaroni work just as well. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds onto sauce, so every bite is as satisfying as the last.

If you’re in a pinch, even spaghetti or fettuccine can be used—though the texture and feel of the dish will change a bit. That said, it’s really hard to mess this one up. Just cook your pasta to al dente, and you’re halfway there.

Options for Substitutions

Life happens—and sometimes we just don’t have every ingredient on hand. Here are some smart swaps you can make without sacrificing flavor:

Ground turkey: Try ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles.
Heavy cream: Half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk work as a creamy base.
Cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or a blend—whatever melts well and brings richness.
Pasta: As mentioned above, almost any shape will work. Gluten-free or whole wheat options are great alternatives too.
Broth: Chicken broth is ideal, but vegetable broth or even water with seasoning can do in a pinch.

Feel free to make it your own. That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s both forgiving and flexible.

Ingredients for This Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the bold, comforting flavors of this dish. Here’s why they matter:

Ground turkey – Lean and mild, it soaks up all the seasoning and browns beautifully for a flavorful base.
Rigatoni pasta – Its ridged shape catches the cheesy sauce, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the turkey mixture.
Garlic – Brings a warm, savory aroma that ties everything together.
Tomato paste – Concentrated and rich, it adds a deep, tangy undertone to the sauce.
Chicken broth – Loosens the sauce and layers in a savory, seasoned foundation.
Heavy cream – Gives the dish its signature silky, luscious texture.
Parmesan cheese – Sharp and nutty, it rounds out the flavor with a bold punch.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts into the sauce, delivering that creamy, stretchy texture we love.
Olive oil – For sautéing the aromatics and locking in flavor.
Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
Fresh parsley – Optional, but adds a burst of freshness and color for a finished look.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned turkey. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add tomato paste to the pan and stir it into the turkey mixture. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized flavor. Then pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through, then sprinkle in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and finish with an extra dusting of parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

How Long to Cook the Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

This dish is delightfully fast and fits perfectly into a busy schedule. Here’s a breakdown of the total cooking time:

Pasta boiling: 10 minutes
Turkey and aromatics: 8 minutes
Sauce building and finishing: 7–10 minutes

Altogether, you’re looking at 25 to 30 minutes total from start to finish. That makes this an ideal weeknight dinner when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta

Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own for a silkier sauce.
Brown the turkey well: Let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two to get a little golden crust—that adds big flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente so it holds its shape when tossed with the sauce.
Save that pasta water: Just a splash can help loosen the sauce and make it cling better to the noodles.
Simmer, don’t boil: After adding the cream, keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
Season in layers: Taste after each step to adjust salt and pepper as needed—it really elevates the final dish.
Finish with a garnish: Fresh parsley or extra parmesan gives it a polished, restaurant-style finish.
Serve immediately: It’s best hot and freshly made—though the leftovers are still excellent!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a straightforward dish like Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta, a few simple missteps can throw off the flavor or texture. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the pasta – You want that perfect al dente bite so it doesn’t go mushy when mixed into the sauce.
Using low-quality cheese – Flavor and meltability matter. Stick with full-fat, good-quality cheese for the best results.
Skipping the browning step – Letting the turkey caramelize adds major flavor depth. Rushing this step results in a blander dish.
Boiling the cream – Too much heat can cause it to separate. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
Neglecting seasoning – Under-seasoned sauce will fall flat. Taste and adjust as you go.
Using too much pasta water – A little is great for loosening the sauce; too much waters it down.
Crowding the pan – Give your turkey room to brown properly. If needed, cook it in batches.
Forgetting to stir the cheese in slowly – Dumping all the cheese in at once can cause clumps. Stir it in gradually for a smooth sauce.

What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta?

Fresh Green Salad

A crisp romaine or arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

Garlic Bread

Because what’s cheesy pasta without a buttery, garlicky side to scoop it up?

Steamed Broccoli

Adds a nice crunch and color contrast—and keeps things balanced on the plate.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A juicy, acidic burst that brings freshness and elevates the dish.

A Glass of Red Wine

Go for a medium-bodied red like a Chianti or Merlot to complement the creamy, savory notes.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick, garlicky greens offer a nutrient boost and mild bitterness to offset the cheese.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, caramelized sprouts make a surprisingly tasty pairing with cheesy pasta.

Lemon-Herb Asparagus

Bright and zesty asparagus cuts through the richness and adds springy vibes.

Storage Instructions

Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze this pasta too, although the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life and prevent it from drying out.

Pro tip: If freezing in portions, use small containers or freezer bags laid flat—makes defrosting quicker and easier.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Note: Based on an approximate serving size of 1½ cups.

Calories: 460
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Calcium: 220mg
Iron: 2.3mg

These numbers are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you use. For a lighter version, swap in light cream and part-skim cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge, then reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, full-fat milk, or even evaporated milk work well. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or oat milk.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all—it’s kid-friendly and mild. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce does the trick.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Ground beef adds a deeper, richer flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals. Add a bit of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the pasta for a gluten-free version. Also check your broth and cheese labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

What kind of cheese is best for melting?

Mozzarella and cheddar melt smoothly and give that stretchy, gooey texture. Parmesan adds sharpness—don’t skip it!

How can I make this more nutritious?

Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet while cooking the turkey. Whole wheat or legume-based pasta also boosts fiber.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta is that perfect blend of cozy, creamy, and satisfying. It’s a weeknight hero—quick to make, endlessly customizable, and full of comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe checks every box. The best part? It tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ready for your new favorite pasta night? Let’s make it official—scroll down for the printable version and get cooking!