Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe

I’ve always loved comfort food that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, and this Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe fits that bill perfectly. The cozy blend of lean ground turkey with tender pasta shells swimming in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce has become my ultimate weeknight go-to. It’s satisfying, packed with savory goodness, and the touch of Parmesan cheese on top just brings everything home in the best possible way.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe

What really excites me about this dish is its incredible flavor profile. There’s a beautiful balance between the bright acidity of the tomato sauce and the silky richness of the cream, which together create a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and ground turkey. The Italian seasoning with garlic, onion, and a hint of pepper adds layers of warmth and aroma that make each bite unforgettable. It’s like comfort food met elegance in the best way possible.

Another thing I adore is how easy this recipe is to prepare. From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes, and it uses simple, familiar ingredients that don’t require a trip to a specialty store. This makes it perfect for hectic weeknights when I want to whip up something nourishing and delicious without a fuss. Plus, it’s versatile—great for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prepping for the week. Honestly, once you make this a couple of times, it’s hard not to keep it in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully combined to create a rich texture and robust flavor. Each one plays a key role in building the dish’s depth, from the pasta shape to the fresh vegetables and creamy sauce elements.

• 12 oz. medium shell pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully in each little pocket, making every bite flavorful.
• 1 lb. ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the dish light but hearty.
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps with sautéing the vegetables and turkey.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that’s essential to the sauce.
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, diced small: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• 4 oz. white mushrooms, sliced or diced: Lends earthiness and texture.
• 1/2 large white onion, diced: Provides a foundation of sweetness and depth.
• 1 tsp. salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp. pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the components together.
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): Creates a rich base for the sauce with added depth.
• 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce: The heart of the sauce that gives it a vibrant, tangy flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smoothness.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: A salty, nutty finish that enhances every bite.
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A fresh herbaceous touch that brightens the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes for medium shell pasta. Drain and set aside once tender but still firm to the bite.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or a wide stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess liquid or fat and transfer the turkey to a bowl to keep warm.

Step 3: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and diced onion. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and whisk quickly for about 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and to start thickening the mixture.

Step 5: Gradually pour in the beef broth and the can of tomato sauce, whisking continuously. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Add the cooked ground turkey back into the pot and stir to combine thoroughly with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Pour in the drained pasta, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, allowing the cheese to melt and the cream to integrate into the luscious sauce.

Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. It might look a little thin at first, but just keep it over low heat, stirring occasionally, and it will thicken nicely to coat the pasta.

Step 9: Serve immediately with an optional sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish. Enjoy the warm, comforting, creamy delight!

Servings and Timing

This delicious Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe serves about 6 generous portions, making it an ideal meal for families or for leftovers. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, which includes chopping and gathering your ingredients. Cooking takes about 15 minutes as well, thanks to its efficient one-pot style. Overall, you’re looking at a total time of 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no lengthy resting period required, which means you can enjoy it hot and fresh as soon as it’s done!

How to Serve This Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe

When I’m serving this dish, I love to pair it with a simple side salad—something crisp and peppery like arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette works perfectly to cut through the creaminess. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side adds that extra bit of comfort and texture. Sometimes, I like to roast some seasonal vegetables with olive oil and herbs to complement the richness of the pasta.

For presentation, I recommend plating the pasta with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan on top and a few vibrant basil leaves for a pop of green color. It’s a small touch that makes the dish feel extra special and inviting. I usually serve it piping hot, straight from the pot, because the sauce thickens beautifully as it cools, and that warmth enhances the flavors.

When it comes to drinks, this recipe pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light iced tea keeps the palate refreshed. This dish is so versatile that it fits both cozy weeknight dinners and casual entertaining occasions where you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

If you feel like shaking things up, I encourage trying different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even cheese tortellini, which adds a fun twist and extra texture. Vegetables can be customized too; adding spinach, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes can bring new flavors and nutrients. I sometimes swap the mushrooms for eggplant for a different earthiness that pairs beautifully with the tomato cream sauce.

For those who need gluten-free options, using gluten-free pasta and replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative or cornstarch works just as well for thickening the sauce. And if you want to adjust it for a lower-fat version, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk offers a lighter but still creamy texture. For a vegetarian take, you could substitute the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based ground protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef.

Sometimes I like to bake this as a casserole—after cooking, I pour everything into a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan or mozzarella, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. It’s bubbly, golden, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This is a great way to customize texture and presentation depending on your mood or guests.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe will keep fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation, which can affect the sauce’s texture. Using glass containers helps maintain flavor and can go straight from fridge to microwave or oven.

Freezing

This pasta dish freezes fairly well, although the cream sauce may thicken or separate a bit upon thawing. To freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating can help restore the sauce’s silky consistency.

Reheating

For the best results, I prefer reheating this pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a small splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. This method brings back the creamy texture without turning the pasta mushy. Alternatively, microwaving on medium power in short bursts while stirring between intervals works well if you’re short on time. Avoid high heat reheating, as that can cause the sauce to separate or the cheese to clump.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute, offering a similar lean protein profile. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since chicken can dry out faster. Season well and follow the same steps for a delicious result.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Medium shells are ideal because they hold the sauce so well, but you can also use rotini, penne, or even small rigatoni. Cheese-filled pastas like tortellini also add a fun twist and extra creaminess if you want to experiment!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and turkey mixture ahead and reheat it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. For even easier weeknight cooking, make the entire dish, refrigerate, and gently reheat it later—it almost tastes better the next day.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pasta?

Definitely. Swap the ground turkey for lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and the rest of the recipe stays the same, delivering a comforting and flavorful creamy tomato pasta.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it a bit longer uncovered to reduce the liquid. You can also whisk in a little more flour or Parmesan cheese. Adding extra heavy cream can make it richer and help thicken it up nicely as well.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce and Parmesan Recipe a try because it has become one of my all-time favorite easy meals that impress every time. It’s comforting without being heavy, simple but flavorful, and absolutely perfect for those busy nights when you want something homemade and delicious. Once you make it, I’m confident it will earn a special place in your dinner rotation too. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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