Description
Craving a cozy, filling dinner idea that won’t take all evening? This Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is your answer. It’s a quick dinner solution packed with protein, gooey cheese, and rich tomato flavor—making it perfect for weeknights, easy family meals, or when you need new dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack-style bake or a hearty main, this easy recipe delivers flavor and comfort without the fuss. Great for prepping ahead and even better as leftovers.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute.
3. Add ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix cooked pasta with sauce, half of the mozzarella, and all ricotta.
6. In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheeses.
7. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness after baking.
Let the bake rest before serving so the cheese sets properly.
For extra flavor, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy dinner, baked pasta, turkey pasta, pasta casserole, comfort food, healthy pasta bake