Description
Indulgent Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta is a quick and comforting meal combining tender pasta with savory browned ground turkey and a creamy blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Enhanced with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, this hearty skillet dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, cheesy dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or any preferred type)
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey (can substitute with ground chicken)
Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese (or Neufchâtel cheese for lighter texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (can substitute with shallots or leeks)
Seasoning & Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh basil, oregano)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown Turkey: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese, mixing for 2–3 minutes until the cheeses melt completely and create a creamy sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently fold it into the cheesy turkey mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish sit for a minute. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken if preferred.
- Using Neufchâtel cheese reduces fat content and creates a lighter sauce.
- Fresh garlic and herbs enhance flavor but garlic powder and dried Italian seasoning can be convenient substitutes.
- Make sure the ground turkey reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Leftover pasta can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth.
