Baked Rotini with Turkey Meat Sauce and Mozzarella
A baked pasta casserole combining lean turkey meat sauce with melted mozzarella for a hearty, kid-friendly dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes blends rotini pasta, ground turkey, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 10 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz rotini pasta and cook for 7 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 lb ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini with the turkey meat sauce, stirring gently to mix.
- Step 6: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella evenly over it. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Rotini with Turkey Meat Sauce and Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Rotini with Turkey Meat Sauce and Mozzarella?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Rotini with Turkey Meat Sauce and Mozzarella?
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 Baked Rotini with Turkey Meat Sauce and Mozzarella 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 Baked Rotini with Turkey Meat Sauce and Mozzarella?
Italian pasta 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.
