Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
A warm, cheesy, and comforting casserole made with lean ground turkey, a simple marinara sauce, and three kinds of cheese. This easy dinner is a guaranteed family-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Get Ready: First, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Cook your pasta in a big pot of salty water until it’s al dente.
- Brown the Turkey: While the pasta cooks, warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Cook 1 diced onion until soft, then add 1 lb ground turkey and cook it through.
- Make the Sauce: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, then pour in 24 oz marinara sauce and the seasonings. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix It Up: In a big bowl, gently stir together your drained pasta, the meat sauce, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread your pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover the top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake for 20-25 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh parsley and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Remember, shredding your own cheese makes a big difference in how it melts!
- Cooking the pasta al dente keeps it from getting mushy in the oven.
- A little pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a nice, subtle warmth.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the slices hold their shape.
- This is a great dish to make ahead for a party or a busy weeknight.