Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta with Ground Turkey
A kid-friendly pasta dish featuring lean ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy tomato-basil sauce that melts into every strand. This italian-inspired pasta 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 480 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium; add 1/2 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 lb ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon; cook 5-6 minutes until no longer pink, then stir in 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes; simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 5: Add drained penne pasta, 1/4 cup fresh basil, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella to skillet; toss until cheese melts and pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 6: Serve hot, sprinkled with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta with Ground Turkey 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 Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta with Ground Turkey?
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 Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta with Ground Turkey?
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 Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta with Ground Turkey for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta with Ground Turkey?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
