This Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is a quick, protein-packed dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry staples like pasta, tomato sauce, ground turkey, and mozzarella, it’s both satisfying and family-friendly. With only 30 minutes of prep and cook time, this dish is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and sure to become a go-to comfort meal.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 10 ounces shell pasta, dry (about 3 cups)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, or tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 pinch black pepper

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large oven-safe pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender. Add ground turkey and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart, until no longer pink.

4. Add diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.

5. Add tomato sauce, stir well to combine, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Stir cooked pasta into the turkey mixture, mixing thoroughly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake in the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes.

8. Garnish with parmesan and fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 498 kcal

• Protein: 33 g

• Fat: 17 g

• Carbohydrates: 56 g

• Fiber: 5 g

• Sugar: 9 g

Family-Friendly and Fuss-Free

The beauty of this pasta bake lies in its simplicity. Using everyday ingredients, it delivers big flavor without complex steps or fancy tools. It’s a dish that both adults and kids can get behind, making it a reliable option for even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and mild, juicy ground turkey creates a cozy, inviting dish that hits all the right notes. The melted mozzarella on top adds that irresistible finishing touch that pulls everything together.

Because the dish is baked all in one pan, it minimizes cleanup, which is a huge bonus for weeknight dinners. Everything from the sautéed veggies to the turkey and sauce melds beautifully in the oven, soaking into the pasta for a perfectly balanced bite every time.

Lean Protein with Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is a standout in this recipe for its lean, protein-packed profile. With 33 grams of protein per serving, this pasta bake helps keep you full and fueled long after dinner. Turkey is an excellent alternative to ground beef, offering a lighter, lower-fat option without sacrificing texture or flavor. When seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and onion, it becomes a savory, satisfying centerpiece for the dish.

The mild flavor of ground turkey also makes it a versatile base that pairs well with bold tomato sauce and the richness of mozzarella. It’s hearty enough to please meat-lovers while being a leaner, more nutritious option that fits into a variety of diets.

Perfectly Paired Pantry Staples

One of the reasons this recipe is such a winner is because it relies on ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Dry pasta, canned tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings come together to form the base of this dish. These are ingredients many households keep stocked, meaning this pasta bake can be whipped up on short notice.

Pasta shells are used in this version, but any shape works beautifully—penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or elbow macaroni. The sauce clings to the curves and ridges of the pasta, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. The recipe is flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand, which adds to its convenience and appeal.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Prep

With just 30 minutes needed from start to finish, this dish earns a gold star for speed and ease. You cook the pasta, sauté the vegetables, brown the turkey, combine it all with tomato sauce, and pop it in the oven with a generous layer of cheese on top. In just a few more minutes, you’re rewarded with a bubbling, golden-topped dish that smells as good as it tastes.

The short bake time means this dish is ideal for evenings when you need something fast but filling. If you’re juggling work, family, or just don’t want to spend a long time in the kitchen, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Freezer-Friendly for Future Meals

One of the best features of this pasta bake is that it freezes and reheats like a dream. You can prepare a double batch and freeze one for later, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Once cooled, store portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melty.

This makes it a go-to recipe for new parents, busy professionals, or anyone who likes to plan ahead. Having a hearty, home-cooked meal in the freezer is always a smart move, and this one holds up wonderfully without losing texture or flavor.

Customizable and Adaptable

The Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is as flexible as it is delicious. You can easily tailor it to suit your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture. Want to spice things up? Use hot Italian seasoning or add extra red pepper flakes for a little kick.

If you’re dairy-free, you can use plant-based cheese alternatives, or if you’re gluten-free, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. It’s a dish that welcomes creativity and customization while still maintaining its comforting foundation.

Nutritional Balance in Every Serving

This pasta bake isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritionally balanced. Each serving contains a good mix of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. The tomatoes in the sauce provide lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart health benefits. The added bell peppers bring a boost of vitamin C, while the onions and garlic offer immune-supporting compounds.

Pairing this dish with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables turns it into a well-rounded meal that satisfies on all levels. You get the cozy feel of comfort food without the sluggish aftermath, making it a smart and wholesome choice.

A Dish That Feels Like Home

There’s something undeniably comforting about baked pasta dishes. They evoke memories of family dinners, weeknight gatherings, and casual get-togethers. The Ground Turkey Pasta Bake has all the elements of a classic comfort meal—warm, saucy, cheesy, and satisfying—yet it’s made with ingredients that support a healthier lifestyle.

It’s the kind of meal that invites second helpings and keeps everyone coming back to the table. Whether served for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party, it’s a guaranteed hit that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This pasta bake is satisfying enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake. Garlic bread or warm rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For drinks, a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the meal with a touch of elegance.

If you’re hosting, consider doubling the recipe and baking it in two pans—it’s a crowd-pleaser that scales easily and can feed a large group without much extra effort.

Conclusion

The Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: quick to prepare, family-friendly, freezer-ready, and loaded with flavor. It brings together lean protein, hearty pasta, and cheesy comfort in one simple recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With just 30 minutes of effort, you can serve up a dish that tastes like it took hours.

Its flexibility means you can make it your own, adding veggies, adjusting spices, or changing the pasta type to fit your needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a cozy dinner after a long day, this recipe delivers on every front.

So the next time you’re craving something warm, filling, and effortlessly delicious, turn to this Ground Turkey Pasta Bake. It’s more than just a weeknight meal—it’s a comforting classic you’ll want to make again and again.