This simple Ground Turkey Pasta Bake brings together lean ground turkey, wholesome pasta, and crisp veggies, all enveloped in a wonderfully delicate creamy sauce.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Ground Turkey Pasta Bake Recipe
Everybody adores a delectable pasta bake! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for serving a crowd (these serves 8), and they can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for meal prepping, entertaining, or a cozy Sunday supper.
Traditional pasta bakes often feature tomato sauce or pasta sauce, like our Veggie Pasta Bake. However, the ground turkey pasta casserole I’m presenting today introduces an enticing new twist with its creamy sauce. This dish is packed with lean ground turkey, hearty pasta, and an abundance of veggies. The pièce de resistance is a lighter yet incredibly flavourful sherry and Parmesan cream sauce that blankets everything. To top it all off, it’s baked to a luscious golden finish with a generous layer of cheesy goodness. You won’t want to pass up this luscious treat!
What Makes This Healthy Ground Turkey Casserole
- Crafted using lean ground turkey, renowned for its low saturated fat content.
- Abundantly packed with additional veggies, offering a satisfying volume with fewer calories while delivering essential nutrients.
- The delicate cream sauce incorporates milk and Greek yogurt, a smart alternative to heavy cream, effectively managing calorie and saturated fat levels.
- Each serving features just one ounce of pasta, striking a harmonious balance between carbohydrates and other essential macronutrients.
Tools for this recipe
Ground turkey pasta bake recipe video:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredient
- 340g pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
– Begin by bringing a large pan of water with salt to a boil.
– Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente.
– Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
– In a roomy skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
– Remove any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
– Now, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the turkey in the skillet.
– Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are transparent.
Step 4: Add Peppers and Tomatoes
– Introduce the diced red and yellow bell peppers into the mix.
– Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce.
– Mix well.
Step 5: Season the Sauce:
– Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
– Stir to combine.
– Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the turkey and tomato sauce mixture.
– Ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Layer and Bake
– Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
– For the final touch, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
– Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese layers.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
– After baking, remove from the oven and set aside for a few minutes to cool.
– Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the top for a burst of freshness if desired.
– Serve your creamy Ground Turkey Pasta Bake hot and enjoy.
Chef’s Tips:
- Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavour and nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes for a unique twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- This hearty Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy pasta with flavourful turkey and vegetables. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ground turkey pasta bake nutrition information:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per Serving |
| Serving Size | 1 serving (1/6 of dish) |
| Calories | 365 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| – Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 69mg |
| Sodium | 653mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| – Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Vitamin D | 6% |
| Calcium | 31% |
| Iron | 15% |
| Potassium | 509mg |
Enjoy your Ground Turkey Pasta Bake!
Health Benefits, Storage, and Reheating Guide for Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Health Benefits:
This Ground Turkey Pasta Bake offers a nutritious and balanced meal with several health benefits:
- Lean Protein: The lean ground turkey provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Vegetable Rich: Packed with colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, this dish offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Smart Sauce: The creamy sauce uses a combination of milk and Greek yogurt, offering a lighter alternative to heavy cream, managing calorie and saturated fat levels.
- Balanced Macronutrients: With a sensible portion of one ounce of pasta per serving, this recipe strikes a balance between carbohydrates and other essential macronutrients.
Storage Instructions:
- Cooling Down: Allow any leftover Ground Turkey Pasta Bake to cool down at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta doesn’t become mushy by letting it cool before sealing.
- Freezing (Optional): If planning to store for an extended period, freeze the casserole before baking, excluding the cheese topping. Cover it with plastic wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 6 weeks.
- Reheating: Warm up refrigerated portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covering and heating on medium until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, use an oven-safe container and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until heated through.
Reheat Instructions:
- Microwave: Transfer leftovers to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium until thoroughly warmed.
- Oven: For a more oven-fresh taste, use an oven-safe dish and reheat at 375°F until heated through. This method is especially useful for frozen portions.
Attempt These Variations
One of the great things about this creamy pasta bake is its versatility! You can customize the casserole in various ways:
- Boost the nutrition by adding spinach. You can use either frozen spinach that’s been thoroughly squeezed dry or fresh spinach that’s been wilted before mixing it into the vegetable sauté.
- Incorporate chopped kale along with the other vegetables for extra greens.
- If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, consider substituting it with another lean protein like ground chicken or giving it a flavourful twist with sweet Italian turkey sausage.
- Utilize leftover turkey from Thanksgiving for a completely different and satisfying meal.
- For a gluten-free option, use your preferred gluten-free flour and pasta. To increase the fibre content, opt for whole-wheat pasta.
FAQ’s
Q. What is a Ground Turkey Pasta Bake?
It’s a hearty, comforting casserole made with cooked pasta, ground turkey, a flavorful tomato-based or creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s baked to perfection, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Q. What type of pasta works best for a pasta bake?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the sauce well and maintain their texture during baking. Avoid delicate pastas that may overcook or break apart.
Q. How do you season the ground turkey for a pasta bake?
Season ground turkey with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for a classic flavor. You can also add red pepper flakes for a little heat or fresh herbs like basil and parsley for a fresher taste.
Q. Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Absolutely, You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you prefer to freeze it, assemble the dish without baking and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before popping it in the oven.
Q. What’s the best cheese to use in a pasta bake?
Mozzarella is the go-to for its gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. You can also mix in ricotta or cottage cheese for creaminess, or try cheddar for a sharper flavor twist.
Q. How long does Ground Turkey Pasta Bake take to cook?
Typically, it bakes at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes. If you’re baking it from the fridge, you might need an extra 10 minutes. Bake uncovered for the last few minutes to brown the cheese on top.
