Ground Turkey with Spaghetti
Ground Turkey with Spaghetti is an easy, no-fuss meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s got all the rich, savory flavors you love, but with a lighter twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want some good, cozy comfort food!
You’ll also love this Turkey Stroganoff and Easy Baked Spaghetti!
Making this ground turkey spaghetti recipe is a lifesaver for busy adults who need a quick, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s an easy solution that’s packed with protein, keeps you full, and doesn’t require fancy ingredients.
Plus, it’s a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without the guilt or hassle. And like this Instant Pot Spaghetti, it’s made with simple ingredients and is a delicious way to serve dinner.
The ground turkey and spaghetti is packed with rich flavors from garlic, onions, and a hearty tomato sauce, making every bite comforting and satisfying. Even your picky kiddos (and husbands) will devour this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is ready in just 30 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The ground turkey spaghetti sauce is loaded with garlic, onions, seasonings, and a savory tomato sauce.
- Lighter Option: The ground turkey pasta gives you a hearty feel without the heaviness of beef.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
- Budget-Friendly: This easy dinner requires just a few ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients Needed:
- Ground Turkey: I used 93% lean turkey, but any kind will work.
- Onion: White or yellow works best.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Spaghetti: I like using this particular noodle shape for this recipe, but fettuccine, angel hair, or even rotini would also work.
How to Make Ground Turkey in Spaghetti:
- Cook: In a large skillet, brown and crumble ground turkey, onion and seasonings until the turkey is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add: To the turkey meat, add some spaghetti sauce and simmer mixture for 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the homemade spaghetti sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente.
- Assemble: Add the cooked pasta to the spaghetti meat sauce and toss to combine. Top with some grated parmesan cheese and/or fresh basil and parsley.
How to Store:
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
- To Freeze: Place spaghetti turkey into a freezer-safe container or bag in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.
- To Reheat: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
What Kind of Sauce Should I Use?
For ease and convenience, I used my favorite store-bought spaghetti sauce. However, you can use your favorite pasta sauce, such as a homemade one, or a combination of tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and/or jarred tomato sauces.
How to Season Ground Turkey for Spaghetti?
I like to season the ground turkey as it cooks, and then adjust the seasonings once the sauce is added. That way, I can taste as I go along and use more or less seasonings for extra flavor.
Variations:
There are a lot of way to jazz up this spaghetti dish, so here are a few of my favorite ways:
- Add Some Veggies: Sprinkle in some bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms or any extra veggies you may have.
- Give it a Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in some shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta, or parmesan for a creamy taste.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the spaghetti noodles for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or chickpea pasta.
- Swap the Meat: Instead of turkey, use ground chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage.
What Side Dishes are Best to Serve with Spaghetti?
Since this is a great way to serve a hearty meal, I like to pair this pasta recipe with some easy garlic bread, a simple green salad, or pesto rolls.
Tips and Tricks:
- Brown the Turkey Well: Let the turkey cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a nice sear before breaking it up for extra flavor.
- Season as You Go: Add salt, pepper, and spices while cooking the turkey to build flavor from the start.
- Use a Flavorful Sauce: A good-quality marinara or homemade sauce makes all the difference. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to enhance the taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti al dente since it will soften more when mixed with the sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week!
Looking for More Easy Pasta Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Chicken Alfredo Baked Ravioli
- Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
- Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Lemon Parmesan Pasta
- BBQ Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi
- Creamy Sausage and Mushroom Rigatoni
Ground Turkey with Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey, (I used 93% lean)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce, any kind + ¼ cup of water, (I used this sauce)
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, basil and/or parsley, for topping, (if desired)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and cook and crumble turkey over medium heat until it's no longer pink. Drain (if needed) and return to skillet.
- To the ground turkey, add spaghetti sauce. Add ¼ cup of water to spaghetti sauce jar, close the lid, and shake to get the remaining sauce off sides of jar, then uncover and add water to the skillet. (If using homemade sauce or if you throw the jar away, just add ¼ cup of water to the skillet.)
- Stir and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: taste the mixture and add more seasonings, if desired.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain and then add to the meat sauce. Toss to combine and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil or parsley (if desired). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- To Freeze: Place spaghetti turkey into a freezer-safe container or bag in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.
- To Reheat: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- This is my favorite brand of spaghetti sauce.
- See my tips and tricks for making Ground Turkey with Spaghetti above the recipe box.
