I have a serious soft spot for any dinner that gives me cozy lasagna vibes without all the layering and fuss, and this Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is exactly that. It is bubbling, cheesy, and loaded with tender rigatoni and savory turkey, but still feels a bit lighter thanks to lean meat and a creamy ricotta tomato sauce.

This is one of those recipes I lean on when the day has been long and I want something hearty that basically cooks itself once it hits the oven. The sauce comes together in one skillet, the pasta gets tossed in, and everything bakes under a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so it is perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd.

What Makes This Ground Turkey Pasta Bake So Good?

For me, this pasta bake checks all the boxes: it is weeknight-friendly, family-friendly, and deeply satisfying without being overly heavy. The ground turkey soaks up garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, so every bite tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

Because the rigatoni is sturdy and ridged, it catches the creamy tomato sauce in every nook. A blend of ricotta and Parmesan makes the filling rich and velvety, while mozzarella on top melts into that irresistible stretchy, golden crust. It is comfort food with just enough of a lighter spin that I feel good serving it on a regular Tuesday night.

Ingredients for the Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

When I make this pasta bake, I focus on ingredients that bring flavor, creaminess, and just the right texture. Here is what I reach for and why each piece matters.

Rigatoni pasta – The short, ridged tubes hold onto the sauce and keep their structure in the oven, so the bake stays hearty instead of mushy.
Olive oil – A little oil helps the turkey brown and keeps the onions and garlic from sticking as they soften.
Ground turkey – Lean ground turkey is the star protein here, soaking up all the seasonings while keeping the bake a bit lighter than beef.
Yellow onion – Diced onion builds a savory base for the sauce and adds natural sweetness as it cooks down.
Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic brings warmth and depth that jarred sauce alone just cannot match.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning that lets the herbs and tomatoes shine while keeping the turkey flavorful.
Italian seasoning – A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary gives the bake that classic Italian-inspired flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Just a pinch wakes up the sauce with a little gentle heat.
Marinara sauce – Using a good-quality marinara keeps things quick while giving the bake a rich tomato backbone.
Low-sodium chicken broth or reserved pasta water – This loosens the sauce slightly so it coats the rigatoni without drying out in the oven.
Fresh spinach – A handful of chopped spinach adds color, nutrients, and a little freshness to balance the richness.
Ricotta cheese – Ricotta makes the sauce extra creamy and gives the pasta bake that lasagna-like texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth and helps the top turn beautifully golden.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer on top that makes every serving feel extra indulgent.
Fresh parsley – Sprinkled over the finished dish, parsley brightens everything and makes the bake look as good as it tastes.

How To Make the Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

I like to break this recipe into simple steps so it feels totally doable, even on a busy night. You will cook the pasta, build a quick turkey tomato sauce, bring in the creamy cheeses, then bake everything together until bubbling.

Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just shy of al dente, usually 1 to 2 minutes less than the package suggests. The pasta will keep cooking in the oven, so I always pull it a little early.

Drain the pasta and set it aside. If I am not using it right away, I toss it with a tiny splash of olive oil so it does not stick together.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.

Season with kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you are using them. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink and any excess moisture has cooked off, so you get a bit of browning on the edges for extra flavor.

Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce

Stir the diced onion into the skillet with the turkey and cook until it turns translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour in the marinara sauce and the chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Fold in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. You should have a glossy, rich turkey tomato mixture that smells amazing.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta and half of the grated Parmesan. I like to whisk gently until the cheeses melt into the sauce and everything turns luxuriously creamy.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. At this point the sauce should taste slightly bolder than you think you need, because it will mellow once it coats the rigatoni.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the creamy turkey sauce. If your skillet is not large enough, you can do this in a big mixing bowl instead.

You want the pasta to be generously sauced but not swimming. If it looks a little dry, splash in another spoonful of broth or pasta water.

Step 6: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.

Transfer the sauced rigatoni mixture into the dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the remaining grated Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, lightly golden, and the edges are just starting to bubble.

If you like a deeper golden top, you can broil the pasta bake for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so it does not burn.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Remove the dish from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce settle so the slices hold together better.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. I love how the bright green makes the cheesy top pop.

Serving and Storing Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

When this pasta bake comes out of the oven, I like to let it rest just long enough that the layers hold, then scoop big, generous portions into shallow bowls. A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts.

It is a complete meal on its own thanks to the lean turkey, pasta, and spinach, but it also plays nicely with simple sides like a green salad or roasted veggies. I find it especially handy on nights when I want something that can sit on the table and stay warm while everyone drifts in from work, school, or activities.

Leftovers store beautifully. Once cooled, I cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To reheat, I splash in a tiny bit of water or broth, then warm portions in the microwave or covered in the oven until hot and creamy again.

If you want to freeze it, you can assemble the pasta bake right before the baking step, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until bubbling and heated through, adding a little extra foil-covered time if needed.

What to Serve With Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake?

Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A crisp green salad with mixed lettuces, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta and keeps the meal feeling balanced.

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

Buttery garlic bread or soft breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. I often toast up whatever bread I have on hand with garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and extra veggies to the plate. Their caramelized edges pair so well with the creamy pasta.

Caesar Salad

If I am feeding a crowd, a big Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and plenty of Parmesan is always a hit next to this bake.

Marinated Cucumber or Tomato Salad

A cool, lightly tangy cucumber or tomato salad brings freshness and a bit of acidity, which keeps the whole meal from feeling too heavy.

Want More Cozy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake is your kind of comfort food, I have a few more cheesy, satisfying pasta dinners you might love too:

Try my Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan when you are craving tender chicken, buttery sauce, and plenty of pasta.
For a creamy stovetop option, Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta is ultra cheesy and kid-approved.
If you like those steakhouse flavors, Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta for Family Dinners brings peppers, onions, and melty cheese into one hearty skillet.
Keep things cozy with Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for another twist on baked, garlicky, cheesy pasta.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this cheesy Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta Bake to your favorite Pinterest board so it is easy to find the next time you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Tried it with a twist, maybe an extra veggie, a different pasta shape, or a spicier sauce? I would love to hear how it turned out, so feel free to share your tweaks or questions in the comments.

Need more inspiration beyond this pasta bake? Explore my daily kitchen creations from SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite comfort dinner might be waiting there.