This ground turkey pasta dish is comforting, packed with flavor and comes together in about 30 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Introducing your new favorite weeknight dinner: ground turkey pasta!

This recipe was inspired by a meal we got from Green Chef, the meal kit delivery service that we’ve been using recently. It was just too good not to recreate! It combines cavatappi noodles in a creamy tomato turkey sauce that is chef’s kiss. My whole family gobbled this dish right up, even the kiddos. I can’t wait for you to try this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lean Protein: Swapping out traditional beef for ground turkey adds a leaner protein to your dish, perfect for those looking to lighten up their meals without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of fresh veggies, fragrant garlic, and savory Italian seasoning creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
• Creamy: With the unique addition of coconut milk and a touch of cream cheese, this pasta offers a creamy texture that’s surprisingly light and digestible.
• Kid-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, this dish is a great way to introduce more wholesome ingredients into your family’s diet without them even noticing.

Ingredients Needed

• cellentani/cavatappi pasta – a fun, spiral shape that’s perfect for holding onto the sauce.
• olive oil – adds a subtle richness and is ideal for sautéing your veggies.
• yellow onion – brings a mild, sweet flavor that forms the base of this dish.
• garlic cloves – essential for that aromatic, flavorful punch. Fresh garlic is always best, but if needed, you can replace it with garlic powder.
• red bell pepper – adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color.
• ground turkey – a leaner alternative to beef, bringing a lighter but still satisfying protein.
• Italian seasoning – blends classic herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil for that instantly recognizable Italian aroma and taste.
• tomato sauce – provides a rich, tangy base for the sauce.
• coconut milk – introduces a hint of creaminess with a subtle tropical flavor.
• balsamic vinegar – adds a sweet, tangy depth to the sauce.
• cream cheese – for a touch of creamy indulgence, dairy-free options work great too.
• spinach – a healthy green addition that wilts beautifully into the sauce.
• parmesan cheese – for that final, salty, topping.

How to Make

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot as per the package instructions. Remember to save ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion begins to soften.

Step 3: To the skillet, add the ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, breaking the turkey into smaller pieces, until it’s fully cooked.

Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce, coconut milk, balsamic vinegar, cream cheese, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Toss in the spinach and let it simmer for a few minutes until it wilts into the sauce.

Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat evenly. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Top the pasta with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

Substitutions & Notes

• Pasta: If cellentani or cavatappi isn’t available, feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne pasta, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli are great alternatives, or you could also use spaghetti!
• Ground turkey: If ground turkey isn’t your preference, ground chicken, ground beef, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative can work well in this recipe.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, opt for a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan Parmesan cheese or simply skip the parmesan cheese topping all together.
• Coconut milk: If coconut milk isn’t your thing, you can use heavy cream or another dairy-alternative like almond milk or oat milk.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add in other vegetables you have on hand – mushrooms, zucchini, or kale could be great additions.
• Vinegar: If balsamic vinegar isn’t available, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.

What to Serve with Ground Turkey Pasta

Pairing this ground turkey pasta with the right side dishes can turn it into a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Here are some tasty options:

• Salad: A simple salad with a light dressing can add a fresh, crisp element to balance the richness of the pasta. This kale caesar salad is a great option as a side salad.
• Garlic Bread: Who can resist garlic bread? Its buttery, garlicky goodness is the perfect companion for scooping up any leftover sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes can add a lovely sweetness and variety of textures.

How to Store Leftovers

• In the fridge: Store any leftover ground turkey pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• In the freezer: This pasta also freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the pasta over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

More Turkey Recipes

More Pasta Dishes to Try

Be sure to check out the full collection of dinner recipes on EBF!