Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Made with ground turkey, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, this recipe is a delicious way to switch up traditional spaghetti. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to use up leftover turkey.
What is Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti?
Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Spaghetti is a flavorful pasta dish featuring ground turkey cooked with a savory sauce made from tomatoes, cheese, and spices. The sauce is combined with spaghetti and baked until bubbly and golden, creating a satisfying, casserole-style meal perfect for any night of the week.
Other Popular Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Cranberry Sauce
- Ina Garten Marinated Flank Steak
- Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for leftovers: A great way to use up any leftover turkey or try ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- Crowd-pleaser: This creamy, cheesy pasta bake is popular with both kids and adults.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready.
- Comforting and filling: The creamy sauce and tender pasta makes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Simple ingredients: Easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti
- 1 lb ground turkey (or shredded cooked turkey)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the turkey and vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine with spaghetti and cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti
- Garlic bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Green salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
- Antipasto platter: An assortment of olives, cheese, and cured meats makes a great appetizer.
- Red or white wine: Pairs well with a medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Chardonnay.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercooked the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use leftover turkey: This recipe works well with shredded leftover turkey, especially around the holidays.
- Add herbs for flavor: Adjust the seasonings to taste; extra basil or Italian seasoning can add even more flavor.
- Cover while baking for a softer texture: If you prefer softer pasta, cover the baking dish with foil during baking.
- Add cheese on top halfway through baking: To prevent the cheese from over-browning, add it halfway through if you prefer a less crispy top.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti
- Spicy Turkey Spaghetti: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Creamier Turkey Spaghetti: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor twist.
- Vegetable-Packed Turkey Spaghetti: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
- Cheesy Turkey Spaghetti Bake: Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for extra creaminess.
- Gluten-Free Turkey Spaghetti: Substitute with gluten-free spaghetti and use a gluten-free condensed soup.
Storing Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti: Best Practices
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: This dish freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Label with date: When freezing, label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti: Best Practices
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add a splash of broth if needed: If the spaghetti looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for turkey spaghetti?
Yes, leftover turkey works great in turkey spaghetti. Simply shred the cooked turkey and add it to the skillet when combined with the sauce, skipping the step of browning ground turkey.
How do I keep turkey spaghetti from drying out in the oven?
To prevent turkey spaghetti from drying out, cover the baking dish with foil while baking. You can also add a bit more chicken broth to the sauce for extra moisture.
Can I make turkey spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble turkey spaghetti in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What type of cheese is best for turkey spaghetti?
Cheddar cheese adds a nice, sharp flavor, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a milder taste and extra creaminess.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for family meals. With tender pasta, savory turkey, and a cheesy sauce, this spaghetti bake is sure to please everyone at the table.
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Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Spaghetti is a flavorful pasta dish featuring ground turkey cooked with a savory sauce made from tomatoes, cheese, and spices. The sauce is combined with spaghetti and baked until bubbly and golden, creating a satisfying, casserole-style meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (or shredded cooked turkey)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the turkey and vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine with spaghetti and cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
