Baked Pasta with Spinach and Turkey

Baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food — warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and leaves no leftovers behind.

This baked pasta recipe is both healthy and satisfying, packed with lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and layers of melty cheese. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers big flavor with feel-good ingredients.

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pasta Recipe

There’s a reason this baked pasta recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation — it checks all the right boxes:

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, saucy goodness of baked pasta.
• Nutritious & Balanced: With lean ground turkey and spinach, it’s a wholesome twist on a classic comfort dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, refrigerate, or freeze — it reheats beautifully.
• Light Yet Comforting: It’s satisfying without being overly heavy, thanks to the clean ingredients and smart layering.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this baked pasta delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and comforting baked pasta recipe:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
• 1 lb ground turkey (lean, 93% preferred)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish

💡 Tip: For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before baking so it doesn’t become mushy.

How to Make Baked Pasta with Spinach and Turkey (Step-by-Step)

Making this baked pasta is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps to get a cheesy, satisfying dish on the table in no time:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz of pasta (like penne or rigatoni) until just al dente — about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

✅ Slightly undercooking prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when baked.

Step 2: Sauté the Ground Turkey

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add 1 lb ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until no longer pink and lightly browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Onion & Spinach

Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 2–3 minutes).
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach), and cook until wilted and well combined with the turkey mixture.

Step 4: Stir in the Sauce

Pour in 2 cups of marinara or tomato sauce.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Remove from heat and mix in the cooked pasta.

Step 5: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle ¾ cup shredded mozzarella.
Add the remaining pasta mixture, top with the rest of the ¾ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup grated parmesan.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with golden edges.

🍽️ Once baked, this pasta turns into a cheesy, golden masterpiece that’s hard to resist!

Tips for the Best Baked Pasta

Want your baked pasta to turn out perfectly every time? Keep these simple but game-changing tips in mind:

✔️ Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook your pasta just until al dente (slightly firm), since it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy when baked.

🧀 Use a Blend of Cheeses for Maximum Flavor
Combining mozzarella for meltiness and parmesan for sharpness gives your baked pasta a rich, layered taste. You can also mix in ricotta or cheddar for extra creaminess.

⏳ Let It Rest Before Serving
After baking, allow the pasta to rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

❄️ Make Ahead or Freeze It
This baked pasta recipe is perfect for meal prep:

• Make Ahead: Assemble everything and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
• To Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.

📝 Pro Tip: Store leftovers in individual portions for quick lunches or weeknight dinners!

What to Serve with Baked Pasta

While this baked pasta is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take dinner to the next level. Here are a few delicious ideas:

🥖 Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic choice that complements the cheesy, saucy layers perfectly.

🥗 Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.

🥦 Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini bring a nutritious and flavorful contrast to the rich pasta.

🍽️ This baked pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or warm bread, making it ideal for a cozy, well-rounded dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen spinach in this baked pasta recipe?
A: Yes! Frozen spinach works great — just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water to avoid making the dish watery.

Q: What’s the best pasta to use for baked pasta recipes?
A: Tube-shaped pastas like penne, rigatoni, or ziti hold the sauce and cheese well, making them ideal for baked pasta dishes.

Q: Can I make this baked pasta vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground turkey and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu for added protein.

Conclusion

This baked pasta with spinach and turkey is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and wholesome ingredients. With its rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, lean protein, and leafy greens, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any table — and leftovers are just as delicious.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this easy baked pasta recipe is a go-to you’ll want to make again and again.

Craving comfort? Give this baked pasta a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your version or tag us if you post it on social — we love seeing your creations!

“Life is full of pasta-bilities — especially when it’s baked to perfection.”