This Ground Turkey Spaghetti is a simple, flavorful, satisfying dinner that is protein packed and rocks 3 added vegetables (grated carrot, grated zucchini + chopped spinach). It is done cooking in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect healthier comfort food to whip up on those nights when you just need an easy win.
This ground turkey with spaghetti is one of those recipes that I have made time and time again for my family, but never thought people would be interested in it because it felt so….simple. But that is also exactly WHY I want to add it here for you all — because it IS a staple recipe that I turn to time and time again! And, because it is delightfully easy, while also being hearty, and is done in under 25 minutes, it is PERFECT for those busy weeknights when you just can’t even think about cooking multiple things — but you also want to be sure your family gets a balanced dinner that has protein + veggies + carbs. My family basically runs to the table when I make this for dinner…and fights over the leftovers. Now that’s what I call a win-win.
This hearty, healthy ground turkey pasta gets its rich flavor from a perfect blend of herbs + spices. It is truly healthier comfort food at its best. Filled with 3 added veggies (spinach, carrots, and zucchini) that basically just melt into the meat sauce as it cooks, this weeknight dinner favorite is also easy to adapt to your food needs and preferences. Love cheese? While this specific recipe is dairy-free, I have never regretted topping it with some grated parmesan. Need gluten-free? Just use gluten-free noodles! Wanting to up the veggie quotient even more? Try my homemade veggie-loaded pasta sauce or some frozen riced cauliflower to the mix. In a rush? Use your favorite jarred sauce. Such simple swaps to make this dish work for you and your family! And, if you are digging this recipe and want another weekday favorite, my veggie-loaded turkey tacos give off a similar vibe (family-friendly, filling, and fast…to be exact!).
Spaghetti with ground turkey is a delicious, healthy, and easy to make dinner that your whole family will love. Ground turkey is lower in fat than ground beef and gives the same great flavor to pasta sauce These spaghetti with ground turkey recipes are simple to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to please even picky eaters
Why Choose Ground Turkey for Spaghetti
There are many benefits to using lean ground turkey in your spaghetti recipe rather than ground beef:
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Ground turkey is lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol compared to beef. This makes it a healthier option while still providing protein
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Turkey costs less than beef on average, making these recipes more budget-friendly.
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The mild flavor of ground turkey allows the seasoning and sauce ingredients to shine. Kids and adults alike enjoy the taste
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It’s an easy substitute for beef that even picky family members will eat. The flavor and texture are quite similar.
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Cooking with ground turkey can help you eat less red meat if that is one of your health goals.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Turkey
When cooking with ground turkey, keep these tips in mind:
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Make sure to use lean or extra lean ground turkey. This will limit the fat content.
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Season the turkey well and don’t undercook. Without enough seasoning, ground turkey can taste bland. It also needs to be cooked fully to 165°F internal temperature.
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Brown the turkey before adding to sauce. Browning adds flavor.
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Add olive oil to the pan when browning. This will keep the turkey from drying out.
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Limit overcooking to keep it tender. Once cooked through, remove from heat.
With just a bit of care when preparing and seasoning, you can make amazing spaghetti with ground turkey.
Quick and Easy Spaghetti Recipes with Ground Turkey
These spaghetti recipes featuring ground turkey are simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
One Pot Ground Turkey Spaghetti
This easy one pot recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. The turkey cooks right in the sauce along with the pasta for minimal cleanup. Kids love this meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken into pieces
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
- Cook ground turkey in a large pot along with onion, garlic, and seasonings.
- Add marinara sauce, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and dry spaghetti.
- Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy this easy weeknight dinner.
Turkey Spaghetti with Hidden Veggies
Hide extra veggies in this recipe for picky eaters. Shredded carrots and spinach add nutrients without kids noticing.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 cups pasta sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
- Cook onions, garlic, and ground turkey 5 minutes.
- Add carrots and cook 3 more minutes.
- Stir in sauce, broth, spaghetti and spinach. Cover and simmer 15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Serve turkey spaghetti topped with parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
15 Minute Stovetop Turkey Spaghetti
This quick stovetop version uses flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a sauce that’s ready fast.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 jar sun-dried tomato pesto sauce (12 oz)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- In a skillet cook turkey garlic, and onion until turkey is browned.
- Add sauce and spinach, simmer 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.
- Add drained pasta to sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve turkey spinach spaghetti topped with parmesan cheese.
More Delicious Ways to Customize Your Turkey Spaghetti
Part of the fun of spaghetti is experimenting with different add-ins and flavors. Try these ideas:
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Sauté mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini along with the onion and garlic.
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Add a splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic for extra flavor.
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Use fire-roasted or sundried tomato pasta sauce for more depth.
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Stir in fresh spinach or basil at the end for color and nutrition.
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For spicy pasta, add red pepper flakes or cajun seasoning.
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Top with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or ricotta cheese.
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Swap noodles for veggie noodles like zucchini or spaghetti squash.
With ground turkey, pasta, and a few additional ingredients, you can create an easy, healthy, and delicious spaghetti dinner that the entire family will love eating. These recipes take 30 minutes or less so they are perfect for busy weeknights. Customize them to satisfy all preferences.
Ground turkey spaghetti is affordable, kid-approved, and full of flavor. With the recipes and tips above, you can make it a staple in your weekly meal plans. Enjoy this classic pasta dish made healthier, easier and more budget-friendly with lean ground turkey.
Other hearty, simple, veggie-loaded dinners you will adore
How to make this pasta: a visual step-by-step guide
If you are a visual person, here is a picture guide for how the recipe should look at each step. Be sure to grab the exact measurements for the ingredients by scrolling down to the recipe card below.
EASY SPAGHETTI W/HOMEMADE MEAT SAUCE | GROUND TURKEY RECIPE
FAQ
What can I add to ground turkey for flavor?
Is it OK to mix ground turkey and beef?
Why use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
When not to cook ground turkey?
How long does it take to cook ground turkey spaghetti?
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dish!) This savory one pot ground turkey spaghetti is lean, flavorful and delicious. Prepared in less then 30 minutes, it’s a super easy recipe for a weeknight meal that families love. Place a large dutch oven or large 5-7 quart pot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium high and add the olive oil.
How do you cook ground turkey in a crock pot?
Add the ground turkey, Italian sausage, and onion. Cook until browned, draining any excess fat or liquid before the next step. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings to the cooked meat and onion mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir in the sugar.
What is ground turkey spaghetti?
This ground turkey pasta is a lazy Sunday sauce that simmers and fills the house with the aroma of a delicious homemade meal that the whole family (even the picky eaters!) will love. I’ve tried one pot spaghetti and have several recipes using jarred tomato sauces which all have their time and place but nothing compares to this turkey spaghetti.
How do you cook a ground turkey?
Saute onions and peppers for 2 – 3 minutes to soften. Add carrots, garlic, ground turkey, and turkey sausage and cook while breaking into small pieces with a spatula. Once you’ve mostly browned the turkey, add salt, pepper, Worcestershire, red pepper flakes, and fennel.