One Pot Ground Turkey Spaghetti

If weeknights feel like a rush, this one pot ground turkey spaghetti is your new go-to. Everything cooks in the same pot, the sauce gets extra cozy thanks to the balsamic vinegar, and dinner lands on the table fast without a sink full of dishes. It’s the same classic spaghetti everyone loves, just lightened up with ground turkey and while still having a bump of flavor.

 

Why We Love Ground Turkey Spaghetti

Who doesn’t love an easy and delicious meal that can be made quickly? This ground turkey spaghetti recipe is easy, fast, and tasty. It makes it a really easy weeknight dinner that I know the family will love.

• Big flavor with simple ingredients. The turkey keeps it light but still meaty, and the balsamic makes the sauce taste richer. Don’t leave it out!
• Ready in about 30 minutes – Fast and delicious for busy weeknights when everyone is hungry now.
• One pot = less cleanup. The pasta cooks right in the sauce so there’s no extra pots to wash.
• Picky eater friendly– Classic spaghetti flavors with a lighter twist.

Ingredients For Your Shopping List

• olive oil
• ground turkey– Lean ground beef can be swapped in this recipe. See the notes in the recipe card at the bottom for more details for how to swap beef.
• garlic cloves – minced
• onion – diced
• marinara sauce- you can use your favorite jarred sauce
• low sodium chicken broth
• balsamic vinegar – Don’t skip the balsamic vinegar, it brings so much flavor to the dish.
• Italian seasoning
• fresh parsley – Can use dried parsley, use 1 teaspoon.
• dried spaghetti noodles Break the noodles in half for this recipe.
• salt and pepper

How To Make One Pot Spaghetti With Ground Turkey

1. Place a large dutch oven or large 5-7 quart pot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium high and add olive oil.
2. Once the pot is warm, spread the ground meat out in the pan to brown. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Stir and break up the meat as needed cooking it all the way through until brown, about 7-10 minutes.

3. Add the garlic and onion and soften it with the meat for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Combine three cups of marinara sauce, low sodium chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning and parsley. Stir well until combined with the ground turkey.

5. Break the spaghetti in half and add to the pot in small handfuls. Try to spread out the pasta in the pan. Alternating the direction you place the pasta in the liquid can help to spread it out so it doesn’t clump. Push the pasta gently under the liquid but don’t stir until it has cooked a little bit with the lid on the pot.

6. Bring the pot up to a boil, then cover the pot and turn the heat down to medium heat to simmer. Cook the pasta covered for about 13-15 minutes or until tender. Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to help keep it from clumping, about every five minutes. Cover the pot with the lid again to continue cooking. If the pasta starts sticking to the bottom while it simmers, give it a quick stir and make sure the heat isn’t too high. One-pot pastas like a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
7. The pasta is done when it is tender. Shut off the heat and let the pasta stand for a 2-3 minutes to soak up a little more of the sauce. Serve with cheese or parsley and enjoy!

FAQ For Ground Turkey Spaghetti

Variation Ideas and Swaps

Looking to change things up? These easy swaps still keep the recipe simple and cozy.

• Whole wheat spaghetti – May need an extra minute or two since it cooks a little firmer.
• Protein, Gluten Free Or Vegetable Pasta – Less time may be needed, as these pastas can sometimes fall apart more easily.
• Diced tomatoes – Blend them before adding. If the sauce seems thin, simmer a few extra minutes or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
• Crushed tomatoes – Blend first for a smoother sauce.
• Fire roasted tomatoes – Swap in two 14.5 ounce cans for extra smoky flavor.
• Fresh herbs – Basil, oregano, thyme, or extra parsley add great flavor. Stir in a handful at the end.
• Garnish ideas – Parmesan, red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, or more parsley.

Can I Use Other Shapes Of Noodles Or Pasta?

You can use other types of long pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle. Using another type of long pasta may affect the total cooking time by a few minutes. Keep checking your pasta until it is al dente.

I don’t recommend using other shapes of pasta that are short such as ziti or spirals with this recipe. The amount of liquid ratio may change and I have not tested it myself. If you do try another pasta shape tell us how it went in the comments!

How To Add Vegetables

If you want to add a few veggies, it’s prettyeasy. Cook the veggies right after browning the meat, before adding the sauce and pasta. Start with 1/2 to 3/4 cup and adjust to your family’s taste. I don’t like hiding vegetables from my family, but I will bulk up dinner with adding in extra.

Veggies that work well:

• Riced cauliflower – Frozen is fine. Make sure to cook out the moisture so it doesn’t thin the sauce.
• Shredded carrots – They soften quickly and add a little natural sweetness.
• Diced zucchini – Softens nicely and blends into the sauce. You can peel it first if your family is sensitive to seeing dark green in the pasta.
• Chopped spinach – Fresh or frozen. If using frozen, cook off the liquid first.

How Long Will This Ground Turkey Spaghetti Last

Expect this ground turkey spaghetti will last for about three days. Store leftovers in the refrigerated in a covered airtight container.

Leftovers of this recipe also freeze well, and can be defrosted in the microwave or in a pan on the stove.