Name: Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 2 cups rotini pasta; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

Main recipe image showcasing the final dish — Golden rotini pasta tossed with seasoned ground turkey in a rich tomato sauce, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh green parsley, served in a black cast-iron skillet | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this ground turkey pasta skillet during a cooking show that featured quick family dinners, and I was immediately captivated. The simplicity of the concept—everything in one pan—felt revolutionary for a busy weeknight. When I finally made it myself, I was struck by how the flavors melded together so beautifully; the ground turkey absorbed the garlic and tomato sauce perfectly, while the pasta soaked up all those savory juices. The moment I saw that golden, cheesy top garnished with fresh parsley, I knew this would become a staple in my cooking rotation. It's the kind of dish that looks impressive enough for guests but is genuinely effortless to prepare.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe because it checks every box for me: it's quick, it's nutritious, it's packed with flavor, and it requires minimal cleanup. The one-skillet method means less time at the sink and more time enjoying dinner. Ground turkey is such a lean protein, yet when combined with the rich tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese, it feels absolutely indulgent. Every time I make it, I'm amazed at how restaurant-quality it tastes despite being so straightforward. It's the perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create something truly special. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about a dish that brings everything together in one pan.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Ground Turkey:Brown until completely cooked through, breaking apart with a spoon to achieve an even, crumbly texture that will distribute throughout the pasta
Rotini Pasta:Cook directly in the skillet with the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender
Crushed Tomatoes:Provide the rich, tangy base of the sauce that coats every piece of pasta and meat
Red Bell Pepper:Soften in the skillet to release their natural sweetness and add a slight crunch and vibrant color to the dish
Garlic:Mince finely and sauté to release its aromatic oils, creating a deeply savory foundation for the sauce
Parmesan Cheese:Stir through at the end to melt slightly and create a creamy, umami-rich finish that ties everything together

Let's Make These Together

Brown the Turkey: Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey and break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden-brown color. This initial browning step is crucial for building flavor—it takes about 5-7 minutes and creates the savory foundation for your entire dish.

Build the Aromatic Base: Add minced garlic to the cooked turkey and let it sizzle for just a minute until the kitchen smells absolutely divine. Then add your diced red bell pepper and let it cook for a couple of minutes, softening slightly but still retaining some texture. This combination creates an aromatic base that elevates the entire dish.

Create the Sauce: Pour in your crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring it to a gentle simmer—this is where the flavors really start to come together and create that rich, savory sauce that makes this dish so comforting.

Cook the Pasta Right In: This is the magic moment: add your uncooked rotini pasta directly to the skillet. Stir well to submerge it in the liquid, then let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. The pasta will cook as it absorbs all the flavorful sauce, becoming tender and incredibly delicious. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let it melt slightly into the warm pasta for a creamy, umami-rich finish. Top with fresh parsley and extra cheese, and you've got a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve.

Additional recipe photo showing texture and details — Flat lay of fresh ingredients arranged on marble: ground turkey, rotini pasta, red bell peppers, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I discovered this recipe on a particularly hectic Tuesday when my family was starving and I had almost nothing prepared. I had ground turkey, some pasta, and canned tomatoes, so I threw it all together in my cast-iron skillet. The first bite was amazing—tender pasta, savory meat, and that beautiful tomato sauce all coming together. Now, this skillet dinner is my go-to when time is short but flavor can't be compromised.

Perfect Pairings

This one-skillet pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, a crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce, or a chilled glass of dry white wine or light red wine. For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.

Step-by-step preparation photo — Two generous portions of turkey pasta on white plates with a glass of red wine, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan for serving | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: Yes! You can prepare the turkey and sauce mixture earlier in the day and refrigerate it. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop, add the uncooked pasta and broth, and cook as directed. This makes it perfect for meal prep.
→ What if I don't have crushed tomatoes?: You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes (drain some liquid first) or even tomato sauce. Alternatively, use 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste mixed with 1 cup of broth for a concentrated sauce that works beautifully.
→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?: Absolutely! This pasta freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore the sauce consistency.
→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?: Of course! This recipe is very versatile. Consider adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or fresh tomatoes. Add heartier vegetables like zucchini when you add the peppers, and add delicate greens like spinach at the end, just before the cheese.
→ How can I make this spicier?: To increase the heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and taste as you go, adding more if you prefer additional spice. You can also use spicy Italian seasoning instead of regular Italian seasoning.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. With just one skillet and 30 minutes, you'll have a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that your whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights when you need something satisfying without the fuss.