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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
