5 PM Family Pasta Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pan pasta bake with ground turkey and mixed vegetables, ready to serve by 5 PM for a stress-free weeknight dinner. This italian-american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, ground turkey, marinara sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Italian-American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz penne pasta for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey and 3 minced garlic cloves, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5 minutes until browned, then stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
  3. Step 3: Add 24 oz marinara sauce and 16 oz frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, mixing until coated. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, then let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does 5 PM Family Pasta Bake take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 5 PM Family Pasta Bake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 5 PM Family Pasta Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 5 PM Family Pasta Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 5 PM Family Pasta Bake?

Italian-American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes