Make this warming and hearty Ground Turkey Pasta Bake soon. An easy baked pasta made with penne, marinara, ground turkey and mozzarella—simple, budget-friendly comfort food for the family.

Comfort food is my go-to and pasta tops the list. While dishes like Beef & Cheese Cannelloni and Chicken & Spinach Lasagna are delicious, they take time. This Ground Turkey Pasta Bake delivers the same cozy satisfaction with far less fuss—quick to prepare and baked in under 30 minutes.

What this Dish Is Like

• Difficulty – Beginner-friendly. Using a store-bought marinara keeps this recipe simple and forgiving.
• Taste – Rich tomato flavor from the sauce with a golden, slightly crisp cheese topping rather than an overly gooey interior.
• Yield – Makes four generous servings, or up to six if portions are smaller.

Ingredients

• Pasta – Dried penne works well.
• Ground turkey – Lean or regular, depending on preference.
• Onion – One small white onion, finely diced.
• Marinara sauce – Use a good-quality jarred sauce or homemade marinara.
• Cheese – Shredded mozzarella for topping.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the onion.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt and black pepper.

REMEMBER: The full recipe and instructions are below in the recipe card.

Instructions

1. Preheat – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a deep-sided baking dish.
2. Cook pasta – Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside; al dente is best since it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Sauté onion – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Reduce heat to medium if needed.
4. Brown turkey – Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8 minutes.
5. Season – Stir in dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.
6. Add sauce – Pour in the marinara, stir, and simmer for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
7. Combine with pasta – Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce and turkey.
8. Bake – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Serve – Remove from oven and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Make-ahead – Assemble up to eight hours before baking and keep covered in the fridge. Add about 5 extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
• Save time – Cook the pasta while browning the turkey to shave about 10 minutes off total time.
• Al dente pasta – Slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes in the sauce while baking and keeps a pleasant bite.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pasta – Penne is used here, but shells, rotini or farfalle are excellent alternatives.
• Protein – Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, pork or beef. For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add more vegetables like diced peppers or zucchini.
• Marinara – Homemade or store-bought marinara both work well—choose a sauce you enjoy.
• Herbs – Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh basil or parsley can be stirred in before serving for brighter flavor.
• Cheese – Mozzarella is classic; try cheddar, Gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple leafy salad, a Caprese-style side or roasted vegetables. Garlic knots or crusty bread are great for mopping up extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Make this warming and hearty Ground Turkey Pasta Bake soon. An easy baked pasta made with penne pasta, marinara sauce, ground turkey and mozzarella cheese. A budget-friendly family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Total Time55 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: North American

Keyword: budget friendly dinners, ground turkey recipes, pasta bake

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 582 kcal

Author: Julia Pinney

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a deep baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until soft.
4. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
5. Stir in oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
6. Pour in marinara sauce, stir and simmer 1–2 minutes.
7. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce and turkey.
8. Transfer to the baking dish, top with mozzarella and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and serve hot.

*Times are estimates; appliance performance may vary.

Nutrition Facts

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 582

Fat 20g (31%)

Cholesterol 96mg (32%)

Sodium 1779mg (77%)

Carbohydrates 56g (19%)

Protein 46g (92%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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