Creamy Ground Turkey Alfredo Pasta Bake with Herbs
This comforting pasta casserole combines seasoned ground turkey with creamy Alfredo sauce and aromatic herbs for a satisfying family dinner. The dish features tender pasta mixed with browned turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano, all enveloped in rich Alfredo sauce. Topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it bakes to bubbly perfection. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep, this one-dish wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup required.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkeyground chicken1:1proteinFull guide →
- 12 oz pasta, uncookedgluten-free pasta1:1gluten-freeFull guide →
- 2 cups Alfredo sauceheavy cream + Parmesan1 cup cream + 1/2 cup cheesedairyadds dairyFull guide →
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain
- 3
Brown ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat and drain excess fat
- 4
Combine cooked pasta, turkey, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano in a large bowl
- 5
Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- 6
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- 7
Cool for a few minutes before serving
Tips
Use rotini, penne, or rigatoni pasta shapes that hold sauce well for best results.
Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
Cover with foil if the cheese browns too quickly during baking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until warmed through.
Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the turkey fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Avoid overcooking pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble without baking, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well and are easy to serve from the casserole dish.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely. Any quality jarred Alfredo sauce works perfectly. You can also make homemade if preferred for fresher flavor.