Is there anything better than a dinner that comes together in one pan with minimal fuss? You know the kind I mean—where you can get a wholesome, cheesy, family-pleasing meal on the table without a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward. That’s the magic of this Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to on those busy nights when time is short but the craving for something truly comforting is high. It’s a hug in a bowl, combining the lean goodness of ground turkey with the creamy, dreamy comfort of melted cheese and tender pasta. Let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe is a weeknight warrior for so many reasons. First, it’s a true one-pan wonder. You brown the meat, cook the pasta, and create the sauce all in the same trusty skillet. Fewer dishes means more time for you to actually relax after dinner. Second, it’s incredibly adaptable. Got a picky eater? No problem. Want to sneak in some veggies? Easy. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your own personal touch. And third, it’s just so, so comforting. The combination of savory turkey, rich tomato sauce, and that glorious, stretchy cheese topping is a crowd-pleaser every single time. It’s a healthy-ish dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To sauté our aromatics and keep the turkey from sticking.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
- 1 pound lean ground turkey: A lean and delicious protein that cooks up quickly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings in classic Italian herbiness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of color.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce: The quick and flavorful base of our sauce.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and creates the perfect saucy consistency.
- 8 ounces short pasta, like rotini or penne: Holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that iconic, melty cheesy pull.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor boost.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season every layer.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): For a pop of fresh color and flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step
- Grab your large, oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for just one more minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
- Push the onions and garlic to the side and add the ground turkey to the center of the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season it with the oregano, paprika, a good pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, and give everything a good stir to combine. Then, add the dry pasta right into the skillet, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring the whole thing to a lively simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Give it a stir halfway through to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente—tender but still with a little bite—and most of the liquid will be absorbed.
- While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
- When the pasta is ready, take the skillet off the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now for the best part: sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Carefully place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it! You want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and beautifully spotted with golden brown. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. So good.
Cheesy Ground Turkey Cooking Tips
- Use an oven-safe skillet from the start to make the transition from stovetop to broiler seamless. No one wants to be transferring hot ingredients!
- Don’t skip toasting the garlic and spices with the turkey. That quick minute of cooking unlocks their full flavor potential.
- If your pasta seems to be absorbing the liquid too quickly before it’s cooked, simply add a splash more broth or water. Stoves can vary!
- For an extra-crispy, cheesy top, let the skillet sit under the broiler for the full 3 minutes. Just don’t wander off—it can go from golden to gone in seconds.
- Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken up perfectly, making it easier to serve.
- Honestly, the broiler step is worth it for that restaurant-quality finish, but if you’re in a huge rush, you can just cover the skillet after adding the cheese and let it melt on the stovetop over low heat.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own dinner ideas. Feel free to get creative! For extra veggies, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end of the pasta cooking time, or add diced bell peppers or zucchini when you sauté the onion. If you’re looking for a flavor twist, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick. Not a fan of turkey? Ground chicken or even lean ground beef work beautifully here. For a dairy-free version, your favorite plant-based shredded cheese will melt right in. And if you need a gluten-free option, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety—just check the cooking time on the box as it may need a minute or two less.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet is a complete meal in itself, but a simple side can really round it out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to because it cuts through the richness of the pasta. A side of garlic bread is never a bad idea for soaking up any extra sauce, or some simple steamed green beans for a bright, healthy addition. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying without a lot of extra work.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? They make for fantastic lazy dinners later in the week! Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the microwave works just fine—sprinkle a teaspoon of water over a portion to keep it moist. For a better texture, reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta with nooks and crannies works great—shells, cavatappi, or even elbow macaroni are all excellent choices for holding onto the sauce.
Is this one of those kid friendly dinners? It sure is! The familiar flavors of pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese are usually a big hit. You can even blend the sauce with the onions if you have real veggie skeptics at the table.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? No worries. Just finish cooking the pasta on the stovetop, then scoop it into a greased baking dish, top with cheese, and broil it in there. It adds one more dish, but you’ll still get that lovely browned cheese topping.
How can I make this recipe even quicker? To shave off a few minutes, you can use pre-cooked pasta. Just stir it into the cooked turkey and sauce with a little extra broth to warm through, then top with cheese and broil.
