12 Turkey Pasta Dishes for Quick Weeknight Meals

Ground turkey transforms ordinary pasta nights into something special with these easy weeknight recipes. These dishes prove that healthy cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.

Each recipe delivers comfort food satisfaction while keeping things simple and nutritious for busy families.

01. Creamy Turkey Mushroom Stroganoff

Rich ground turkey stroganoff with tender mushrooms in a velvety cream sauce. This comforting dish comes together quickly for satisfying weeknight dinners.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 8 ounces egg noodles, 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Creamy Turkey Mushroom Stroganoff

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until completely browned and no pink remains.

3. Add diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the turkey. Cook for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and mushrooms release their moisture. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming.

5. Remove from heat and slowly stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cooked noodles and serve immediately while hot.

02. Simple Turkey Lo Mein Noodles

Quick homemade lo mein with seasoned ground turkey and fresh vegetables. This takeout-style dish uses simple pantry ingredients for maximum flavor.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 8 ounces lo mein noodles, 2 cups mixed vegetables, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon ground ginger.

How To Make Simple Turkey Lo Mein Noodles

1. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned and cooked through completely.

3. Push turkey to one side of the pan and add mixed vegetables to the empty space. Stir-fry vegetables for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, then mix everything together.

4. Add minced garlic and ground ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly.

5. Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and well coated with sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

03. Hearty Turkey Baked Ziti

Classic baked ziti made healthier with lean ground turkey and plenty of cheese. This crowd-pleasing casserole is perfect for feeding hungry families.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 1 pound ziti pasta, 24 ounces marinara sauce, 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, Italian seasoning to taste.

How To Make Hearty Turkey Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and cook ziti pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente, since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute.

3. Stir marinara sauce into the turkey mixture and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Meanwhile, mix ricotta cheese with the beaten egg and half the mozzarella in a large bowl.

4. Combine cooked pasta with the ricotta mixture, then fold in the turkey sauce until everything is well distributed. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

5. Top with remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

04. Comforting Turkey Pasta Casserole

Easy one-dish turkey casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty meal combines pasta, vegetables, and protein in one satisfying dish.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 12 ounces elbow macaroni, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup frozen corn, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Comforting Turkey Pasta Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a greased 2-quart casserole dish.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

3. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until completely browned. Stir in minced garlic and paprika, cooking for another minute.

4. Add diced tomatoes with their juice and frozen corn to the turkey mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.

5. Pour turkey mixture over the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.

05. Rich Turkey Bolognese Penne

Hearty Bolognese sauce made with ground turkey for a lighter twist. This flavorful sauce simmers to perfection and pairs beautifully with penne pasta.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 1 pound penne pasta, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), ½ cup red wine, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, fresh basil and oregano to taste.

How To Make Rich Turkey Bolognese Penne

1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.

2. Add ground turkey to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned all over. Push turkey to one side and add tomato paste to the empty space.

3. Cook tomato paste for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly, then stir it into the turkey mixture along with minced garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant throughout.

4. Pour in red wine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add crushed tomatoes, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper, then bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens beautifully. Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package directions and serve with the rich Bolognese sauce.

6. Toss hot pasta with the sauce and let it rest for 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the flavors before serving with grated Parmesan cheese.

06. Quick Turkey Taco Pasta

One-pot taco pasta that’s ready in minutes using simple ingredients. This kid-friendly dish combines all the flavors of tacos in pasta form.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 12 ounces pasta shells, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, sour cream and green onions for serving.

How To Make Quick Turkey Taco Pasta

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and beginning to turn golden around the edges.

2. Add ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until completely browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pot.

3. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add uncooked pasta shells, diced tomatoes with juice, and chicken broth to the pot.

4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

5. Remove from heat and stir in half the shredded cheese until melted. Top with remaining cheese, cover for 2 minutes to melt, then serve with sour cream and chopped green onions.

07. Light Turkey Zucchini Noodles

Healthy spiralized zucchini noodles with seasoned ground turkey for a low-carb dinner. This fresh dish cooks in just minutes for busy weeknights.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 4 large zucchini (spiralized), 1 can diced tomatoes, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium onion (diced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ cup fresh basil (chopped), red pepper flakes to taste.

How To Make Light Turkey Zucchini Noodles

1. Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles from the zucchini. Place noodles on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out excess moisture for 10 minutes.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through completely.

3. Push turkey to one side of the pan and add remaining olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then mix with the turkey.

4. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic. Stir in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.

5. Pat zucchini noodles dry and add them to the pan. Toss gently for 2-3 minutes just until noodles are heated through but still have some bite. Garnish with fresh basil before serving immediately.

08. Wholesome Turkey Pasta Bake

Nutritious pasta bake made with whole wheat pasta and lean turkey. This family-friendly casserole sneaks in extra vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 12 ounces whole wheat penne, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 zucchini (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, Italian herbs to taste.

How To Make Wholesome Turkey Pasta Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and cook whole wheat penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

3. Add ground turkey to the vegetables and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart until completely browned. Stir in minced garlic and Italian herbs, cooking for another minute.

4. Add marinara sauce to the turkey mixture and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Pour this mixture over the cooked pasta and stir to combine thoroughly.

5. Fold in cottage cheese until evenly distributed, then transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

09. Simple Turkey Meatball Pasta

Tender turkey meatballs served over pasta with marinara sauce. These kid-approved meatballs are easy to make and freeze well for future meals.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 12 ounces spaghetti, 2 cups marinara sauce, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Simple Turkey Meatball Pasta

1. Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

2. Roll mixture into 20-24 meatballs, each about 1½ inches in diameter. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for about 8-10 minutes total until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.

4. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to heat through completely.

5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and serve topped with the turkey meatballs and sauce, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

10. Healthy Turkey Spinach Lasagna

Nutritious lasagna packed with turkey, spinach, and three types of cheese. This make-ahead meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 9 lasagna noodles, 10 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained), 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded), ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 3 cups marinara sauce, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Healthy Turkey Spinach Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking while you prepare the filling.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart until completely browned and cooked through.

3. Squeeze excess water from thawed spinach using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Add spinach and minced garlic to the turkey, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through and fragrant.

4. Mix ricotta cheese with beaten egg and half the mozzarella in a bowl. Spread ½ cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

5. Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the turkey-spinach mixture, and 1 cup marinara sauce. Repeat layers once, then top with remaining noodles, sauce, and cheeses.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

11. One-Pot Turkey Pasta Skillet

Everything cooks together in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This complete meal combines pasta, turkey, and vegetables in a single skillet.

Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey, 12 ounces rotini pasta, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make One-Pot Turkey Pasta Skillet

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize around the edges.

2. Add ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked completely through. Stir in minced garlic and paprika, cooking for another minute.

3. Add uncooked rotini pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and frozen vegetables to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring to a rolling boil.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Remove from heat and stir in half the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Top with remaining cheese, cover for 2 minutes to melt, then serve hot directly from the skillet.

Final Thoughts

These turkey pasta recipes prove that healthy weeknight dinners can be both delicious and satisfying. Each dish offers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables.

From creamy stroganoff to one-pot skillets, you’ll find the perfect recipe for any craving or time constraint.