Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta: A 25-Minute Weeknight Dinner Hero

Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is the ultimate time-saving dinner solution for busy nights. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, delicious pasta dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. One skillet, zero chaos, and practically no cleanup—yes, please!

This recipe is my personal go-to for crazy weeknights when I need something fast, comforting, and foolproof. Forget boiling water separately. Everything cooks right in one pan, soaking up maximum flavor and saving you a pile of dishes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever did it the hard way.

Why This Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Is a Game-Changer

• One-pan wonder: Say goodbye to extra pots and pans—this dish handles it all in one skillet.
• Fast prep: Ready in just 25 minutes, from start to plate. That’s half the time of traditional baked pasta dishes.
• Flavor-packed: The pasta cooks right in the sauce and broth, absorbing every bit of savory goodness.
• Stress-free cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes and less scrubbing.
• Perfect for leftovers: This reheats beautifully for next-day lunches or easy weeknight repeats.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, so you don’t need a fancy setup. Here’s what makes this dish shine:

• A high-sided 12-inch skillet with a lid: This keeps all your ingredients contained and helps the pasta cook evenly. If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven works just as well.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the turkey and pasta without scratching your cookware.
• Box grater: If you want that freshly grated Parmesan touch (trust me, it makes all the difference!).

Pro Tip: Use a nonstick skillet for even easier cleanup if you’ve got one.

Simple Ingredients for Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta

This recipe keeps things straightforward with pantry staples and fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here are the stars of the show:

• Ground turkey: Lean and flavorful. You can sub ground chicken or beef if that’s what you’ve got.
• Rotini pasta: The twists are perfect for soaking up the sauce, but penne or macaroni also work great.
• Spaghetti sauce: Grab your favorite jarred brand for convenience, or use a homemade marinara if you’ve got it.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta. Vegetable broth works too!

Shortcut Tip: Pre-minced garlic and frozen chopped onion can save you even more time!

Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe Details

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 3 cups rotini pasta
• 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a high-sided 12-inch skillet with a lid over medium heat.
2. Add ground turkey, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir until the turkey browns and the onion softens—about 8 minutes.
3. Season with chopped oregano, garlic powder, and dried basil. Mix well.
4. Add the rotini to the skillet, stirring it in until everything is combined.
5. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and chicken broth, making sure the pasta is fully covered with liquid.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the rotini is tender yet firm to the bite.
7. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta

• Toast the spices: Sprinkle them in as the turkey cooks to bring out their flavors.
• Don’t rush the browning: Let the turkey develop a golden crust for added depth.
• Use hot broth: Heat the broth slightly before adding it to reduce cooking time.
• Make it ahead: This dish reheats like a dream, so cook it earlier in the day and simply warm it up for dinner.
• Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it saucy!

Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Variations

• Switch the protein: Sub ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for the turkey.
• Add veggies: Toss in frozen peas, spinach, or diced zucchini right before simmering.
• Go gourmet: Swap the Parmesan for a dollop of ricotta or fresh mozzarella.
• Spicy upgrade: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like it spicy!

Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini is best for soaking up the sauce, penne, bowtie, or even shells work great. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What’s the difference between one-pot and traditional pasta recipes?

Traditional recipes require boiling the pasta separately, but in this method, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking in all the flavors while saving you time and dishes.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your spaghetti sauce and broth are gluten-free too.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Simply cook the dish as instructed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat portions in a skillet over medium-low heat.

This Easy One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta has everything you could want in a weeknight dinner—speed, simplicity, and a whole lot of flavor. Now it’s your turn to give it a try. What’s your favorite one-pot meal hack? Let me know in the comments below!