Ground Turkey Helper
Create a comforting weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes with this creamy, one-pot Ground Turkey Helper! Featuring tender elbow macaroni cooked directly in a rich blend of chicken broth, milk, and a duo of melted cheeses—shredded cheddar and cream cheese—this hearty dish is elevated with the savory flavors of browned ground turkey, sautéed onion, and a hint of garlic. A sprinkle of paprika and dried parsley adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the all-in-one cooking method makes cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy families, this quick and easy recipe delivers a nostalgic, homemade twist on classic boxed meals, with healthier ingredients and unbeatable freshness. Garnish with extra cheese or parsley and watch it disappear from the table! Keywords: ground turkey helper, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot pasta recipe, creamy turkey and cheese pasta, quick comfort food.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Season the turkey mixture with paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and stir it into the skillet until melted and incorporated.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
Serve warm and garnish with additional parsley or shredded cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3131 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 167.1 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.4 g | 437% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 701 mg | 234% | |
| Sodium | 5091 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.9 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.8 g | ||
| Protein | 199.7 g | 399% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 2187 mg | 168% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1673 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
