Name: Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 250 g medium shell pasta (or pasta of choice); 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium white onion (diced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 500 g ground turkey; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 400 g tomato sauce (1 can); 240 ml chicken broth; 120 ml heavy cream; 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil (for garnish)

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This creamy ground turkey pasta combines shell pasta, lean ground turkey, tomato sauce, Parmesan, and cream for an easy 30-minute dinner. If you're looking for easy pasta recipes with ground turkey, this rich yet lighter pasta is perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe

Ground turkey pasta shells in a creamy tomato sauce in a skillet, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Why You'll Love My Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta

Ready in about 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ground turkey makes it hearty while keeping it lighter.
The creamy tomato sauce coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
It is a satisfying high-protein pasta dinner made with simple ingredients.

Ground turkey can sometimes dry out in pasta dishes, which is why I cook it with onion, red bell pepper, tomato sauce, and cream. The vegetables build flavor naturally, while the Parmesan gives the sauce a creamy finish without making it too heavy. The shell pasta catches the sauce beautifully, so every bite is packed with flavor. If you enjoy easy creamy dinners, my Creamy Balsamic Chicken has that same rich sauce feeling, while Marry Me Chicken is another simple skillet recipe with a creamy finish.

I also like how versatile this recipe is. It feels comforting like a classic creamy tomato pasta, but the lean turkey keeps it lighter than many beef versions. This creamy tomato pasta with ground turkey is the kind of meal I make when I want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. It is satisfying, family-friendly, and made with simple ingredients that work so well together. For easier dinner ideas, my Chicken Thigh and Rice Casserole is a good one-dish option, and Smothered Pork Chops works well when you want something hearty with a creamy sauce.

Ground turkey pasta shells in a creamy tomato sauce in a stainless steel skillet, topped with Parmesan and basil, with a wooden spoon stirring the pasta.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta

You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.

Pasta & Olive Oil: I use medium shell pasta because the sauce settles inside each shell, which makes every bite more flavorful. Extra virgin olive oil gives the onion and pepper a better base to soften in.
Ground Turkey & Vegetables: Lean ground turkey, I find, keeps the pasta filling without making it feel too heavy. The onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and fresh basil add sweetness, warmth, and freshness.
Seasonings & Tomato Base: I season the turkey with salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning because ground turkey needs help building flavor. Tomato paste and tomato sauce give the pasta that rich tomato base.
Broth, Cream & Parmesan: Chicken broth, for me, loosens the sauce and adds more flavor. Heavy cream and Parmesan make it smooth, creamy, and comforting without needing anything complicated.

How to Make Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Sauce

You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.

2. Brown the Turkey: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground turkey, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Toss With Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, add it to the skillet, and toss well, loosening with a little pasta water if needed. Serve with basil and extra Parmesan.

Creamy ground turkey pasta shells in tomato sauce served on a white plate, topped with grated Parmesan and basil, with a fork on the side.

My Tips for the Best Creamy Turkey Pasta

Cook the Pasta Just Until Al Dente: Since the pasta finishes in the sauce, I like to cook it a minute less than the package suggests. This keeps it from becoming too soft after tossing everything together.

Adjust the Consistency at the End: The sauce thickens as it sits, especially with shell pasta. If it starts to look too thick, I stir in a splash of warm broth or pasta water right before serving.

Let the Pasta Rest for a Minute: I find that giving the pasta a minute off the heat before serving helps the sauce cling better to the shells.

Leftovers Make a Great Lunch: I often make extra because the flavors continue to develop overnight. It reheats well for lunch the next day with a little extra liquid stirred in.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth, water, or cream.

What to Serve With Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta

I like serving this pasta with garlic bread or crusty ciabatta to soak up the creamy tomato sauce. A fresh tomato salad or tomato burrata salad also works beautifully and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.