Sheet Pan Turkey Pasta: Easiest Weeknight Dinner Ever!

December 12, 2025

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Sheet pan turkey pasta is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s one of those magical dishes where minimal effort yields maximum flavor, and clean up is a breeze. I remember first experimenting with this recipe after a particularly long day of recipe testing. I needed something comforting, quick, and satisfying. The result? This incredible sheet pan turkey pasta, a dish so good, my family asks for it every week.

This sheet pan turkey pasta has quickly become a staple. I’m excited to share this super easy recipe with you today!

Why You Will Love This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

This sheet pan turkey pasta recipe is the epitome of comfort food, made incredibly simple. What’s not to love? It’s quick, flavorful, and requires only one pan for cooking, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying. My kids are obsessed with it, and I love that it’s a satisfying meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s also versatile, perfect for using up leftover turkey or ground turkey. Think of it as a blank canvas for your favorite veggies and seasonings. If you love savory and rich dishes like Hamachi Crudo this meal is a great way to change gears a bit but still get a healthy meal on the table.

Ingredients Needed for This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sheet pan turkey pasta:

Pasta: 1 pound penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
Ground Turkey: 1 pound lean ground turkey
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Onion: 1 medium, chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Bell Pepper: 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Zucchini: 1 medium, chopped
Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can, undrained
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt & Pepper: To taste
Chicken Broth: 4 cups
Parmesan Cheese: (Optional) For garnish

How to Make This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying sheet pan turkey pasta meal!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the pasta with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
On a large sheet pan, spread the ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato paste to the sheet pan. Mix everything together to combine well.
Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, ensuring the pasta and vegetables are mostly submerged (add alittle water if needed).
Spread the pasta evenly over the sheet pan.
Cover the sheet pan tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the pasta and cook it evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If you love simple baking recipes, check out our favorite Vegan Waffle Recipe.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to brown the turkey and vegetables slightly.
Let the sheet pan turkey pasta rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

Serve this sheet pan turkey pasta hot, directly from the sheet pan or portioned into bowls. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese adds a lovely touch! For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pasta. Looking for a healthy addition? For a protein packed dessert, take a look at our Protein Cookie Recipe.

How to Store This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

This sheet pan turkey pasta is great for leftovers!

Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to rehydrate.

Tips to Make This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your sheet pan turkey pasta turns out perfectly every time!

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or italian sausage. You can also use different types of vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
Success Tips: Make sure to cover the sheet pan tightly with foil to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a little more chicken broth or water during cooking.
Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan, which can lead to uneven cooking. Use a large sheet pan to spread the ingredients in a single layer.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brown the ground turkey in a skillet before adding it to the sheet pan.

Helpful Notes for This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

Pasta Type: Penne pasta works best for this recipe, but you can use other short pasta shapes.
Broth Options: Chicken broth adds great flavor, but you can substitute vegetable broth or even water if needed.
Spice level: Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment Recommendation: A large, rimmed sheet pan is essential for this recipe. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients in a single layer.

Variation of This sheet pan turkey pasta Recipe

Here are some fun variations to try with this sheet pan turkey pasta recipe!

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Version: Stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese after baking for extra cheesy goodness.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Seasonal Twist: Incorporate seasonal vegetables, such as butternut squash in the fall or asparagus in the spring, for a fresh twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta is best for sheet pan turkey pasta?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work best for sheet pan turkey pasta. They cook evenly on the sheet pan and hold the sauce well.

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey in this recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess grease after cooking.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out on the sheet pan?

To prevent the pasta from drying out, ensure it’s well-coated with sauce and liquid before baking. You can also add a bit more broth or water during cooking if needed.

What vegetables can I add to sheet pan turkey pasta?

You can add a variety of vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms. Add them to the sheet pan along with the turkey and pasta.