Description
This homemade ground turkey pasta bake is a cozy, family-friendly casserole packed with tender pasta, lean turkey, and a bubbly blanket of melted cheese, perfect when you need a quick dinner that still feels special. Whether you’re collecting easy dinner and dinner ideas for busy weeknights or just love saving easy recipe food ideas (and even the occasional quick breakfast or healthy snack inspo), this comforting bake belongs on your regular rotation.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni or other short pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 small yellow onion finely diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil plus more for serving
Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and lightly browned. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, Greek yogurt or sour cream, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of the chopped parsley or basil. Set aside.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the turkey sauce (or combine both in a large mixing bowl if your skillet is too small) and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread half of the saucy pasta in the dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the top, then sprinkle with about one-third of the mozzarella.
8. Add the remaining pasta on top, dot with the rest of the ricotta mixture, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
9. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden in spots, and the edges are bubbling. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes for extra color, watching closely.
10. Let the pasta bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley or basil and enjoy warm.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the pasta during the boiling step—pull it off the heat 1–2 minutes before al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking in the sauce and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: ground turkey pasta bake, easy dinner, dinner ideas, baked pasta, family friendly casserole, weeknight meal, easy recipe, food ideas