Jump to Recipe
Not your average one-pot dinner—One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is a quick, family-friendly meal packed with lean ground turkey, cheese and bold southwest spices.
Ingredients for One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta:
- Protein: Lean ground turkey (1 pound)
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Seasonings: 2 tbsp minced garlic, 2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Liquid: 15 oz tomato sauce and 1 1/4 cup chicken stock or broth
- Dry pasta: 8 oz penne (or your favorite short pasta)
- Cream: 1/4 cup sour cream to finish the sauce
- Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend (or mozzarella)
- Garnish: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and sliced avocado, optional
How to make this One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, diced onion, red bell pepper and minced garlic. Break up the turkey and cook until no longer pink.
Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken stock and add the pasta. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, then cook for about 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce the heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with chopped cilantro and sliced avocado on top.
Storage and make-ahead tips:
Refrigerator: Cool leftovers and place in an airtight container. Store for up to 5 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips and tricks:
Protein substitutions
If you prefer, swap ground turkey for ground chicken or mild ground sausage—both work well with the spices and pasta.
Pasta options
Penne is preferred here, but elbow macaroni, rotini or other short pastas will cook the same way and hold the sauce nicely.
More One-Pot Pasta Ideas
- Pepperoni Pasta Bake
- Meatball Pasta Casserole
- Pizza Pasta Bake
One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add turkey, onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook until turkey is browned and vegetables are softened.
- Season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.
- Add tomato sauce, chicken stock and pasta. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer and cook for about 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat, stir in sour cream and cheese until smooth and melted. Garnish with cilantro and avocado. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an estimate and should be used as a guide.
Quick tips for easier dinners
- Make extra to enjoy leftovers for lunches.
- Swap proteins or pasta shapes based on what you have on hand.
- Store in airtight containers and reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
If you try this recipe, garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado for brightness and creaminess. Enjoy a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s ready in about 25 minutes.