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Quick & Easy Pesto Spaghetti with Ground Turkey: A Flavorful Family Favorite

There are some recipes that just stick with you, weaving themselves into the fabric of your family’s culinary history. This particular recipe for Pesto Spaghetti does exactly that for me. It’s a cherished dish, reminiscent of the simple yet incredibly satisfying meals my mom used to whip up when I was a kid. Each forkful brings back a wave of delicious flavor memories, a testament to its timeless appeal. But nostalgia isn’t its only charm; this recipe truly holds its own today, proving to be just as scrumptious and relevant as ever, perfect for any modern kitchen seeking a quick, tasty, and wholesome dinner solution.

A vibrant bowl of Pesto Spaghetti, topped with fresh parmesan, ready to be enjoyed.

While I’ve kept the heart of the original recipe intact, I’ve also given it a subtle modern twist, refining the flavors and streamlining the preparation without sacrificing an ounce of its authentic charm. The result is exactly what I envisioned: a dish bursting with vibrant pesto goodness, savory ground turkey, and fresh vegetables, all coming together in a harmonious blend that makes it a genuinely delicious and incredibly easy meal. It’s the kind of comforting, full-flavored dinner that I’d happily serve any night of the week, knowing it will be met with smiles and satisfaction.

Simple & Flavorful Ingredients for Your Pesto Spaghetti

One of the best aspects of this Pesto Spaghetti recipe is how incredibly budget-friendly and accessible it is. You only need a handful of staple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. It’s also a brilliant way to utilize any homemade Basil Pesto you might have stashed in your freezer, transforming it into a complete and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The fresh, herbaceous notes of pesto are truly the star here, elevating simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

A selection of fresh ingredients laid out, including ground turkey, bell peppers, grape tomatoes, fresh basil, and a jar of pesto sauce.

To add a touch of freshness and vibrant color, I’ve included a medley of vegetables like bell peppers and grape tomatoes. These additions provide a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory meat and rich pesto. However, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. If you’re cooking for picky eaters or little ones who might shy away from veggies, you can easily keep it simple. The core components—meat, pasta, pesto, and seasonings—are robust enough to carry the dish on their own, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantity or omit them entirely based on your family’s preferences.

For precise ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, please use the JUMP TO RECIPE button located at the top of this post, or simply scroll down to the bottom to find the complete recipe card.

Effortless Preparation: How to Make Pesto Spaghetti

Preparing this Pesto Spaghetti is remarkably straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The process begins in a large pot or skillet, where you’ll brown your ground meat. Ground turkey is a fantastic lean option, but ground beef or Italian sausage work wonderfully too. As the meat cooks, any accumulated liquid should be drained off to ensure a rich, well-seasoned base rather than a watery one. Once the meat is nicely browned, it’s time to introduce your chosen vegetables. Sauté them briefly with the meat, allowing them to soften slightly and meld their flavors into the dish.

Close-up of browned ground turkey in a large pot before draining excess liquid.

Close-up of browned ground turkey in a large pot after draining excess liquid, showing a leaner base.

With the meat and veggies cooked, the next step is to season everything generously and stir in the star of the show: the basil pesto. The aroma alone is enough to get your mouth watering! Once the pesto is thoroughly combined, toss in your perfectly cooked pasta. Here’s a pro tip: always reserve a little bit of the starchy pasta water before draining. Adding a splash or two of this reserved water to your dish helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a smoother, richer, and more cohesive coating for your spaghetti. The true brilliance of this recipe lies in its swift assembly; everything comes together beautifully in a matter of minutes, largely in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and getting dinner on the table in record time.

Fresh basil pesto being stirred into the cooked ground turkey and vegetable mixture in a large pot.

The finished Pesto Spaghetti, perfectly tossed and combined in a large pot, steam rising, ready to be served.

Once your Pesto Spaghetti is beautifully mixed and fragrant, it’s ready to be served. Ladle generous portions into large pasta bowls. For an extra flourish and burst of flavor, I highly recommend topping each serving with a generous scattering of freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. If you’re a true pesto enthusiast, don’t hesitate to drizzle a little extra pesto over the top just before serving. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth and a subtle kick, perfectly balancing the herbaceous pesto and savory meat. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.

A close-up shot of a single serving of Pesto Spaghetti in a bowl, garnished with shaved Parmesan and ready for dining.

Expert Notes & Quick Tips for Perfect Pesto Spaghetti

Achieving this delicious Pesto Spaghetti in mere minutes is entirely possible with a smart approach. The ultimate key to speed and efficiency is to employ a two-pot method from the very beginning. Start by setting a large pot of water on the stove over high heat, bringing it to a rolling boil for your pasta. Salting the water generously once it boils will infuse your pasta with flavor from the inside out.

As soon as you see those first bubbles forming in the pasta water, begin browning your ground meat in a separate large skillet or pot. This parallel cooking strategy ensures that both components are nearing completion around the same time. By the time your meat is perfectly browned and the excess liquid has been drained, your pasta water should be ready for the spaghetti. Drop the pasta in and cook according to package directions. As soon as the pasta is al dente, drain it (remembering to reserve some pasta water!) and toss it directly into the pot with your cooked meat and vegetables. Within moments, your flavorful, quick, and satisfying dinner is ready to enjoy!

For a fantastic time-saving hack, especially when dealing with grape or cherry tomatoes, try this clever trick: place a handful of tomatoes between two flat storage container lids (or two small plates). Gently press down on the top lid to hold the tomatoes in place, then carefully slice through the middle with a serrated knife. You can halve a large batch of tomatoes in mere seconds, making prep work incredibly fast and efficient.

Versatile Substitutions for Your Pesto Spaghetti

This Pesto Spaghetti recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for various substitutions to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have available in your pantry.

Protein Alternatives: While ground turkey offers a lean and flavorful base, feel free to swap it out for other ground meats. Ground chicken is another excellent lean option that pairs beautifully with pesto. For a richer, more robust flavor profile, consider using ground beef or even Italian sausage. If you opt for sausage, you might find the need for additional seasoning is reduced, and the dish will take on a delightful herby, sometimes spicy, dimension.

Pasta Choices: My personal preference leans towards the delicate texture of fine angel hair pasta, which truly embraces the pesto sauce. However, this recipe is incredibly forgiving when it comes to pasta shapes. You can use classic spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta you love. Each shape offers a slightly different mouthfeel and sauce-holding capability, so experiment to find your favorite!

Herb Enhancements: The recipe calls for dried basil for an extra punch of flavor, but if you have access to fresh herbs, don’t hesitate to use them! A generous handful of fresh basil leaves, either chopped and stirred in at the end or used as a garnish, will brighten the dish immensely. Fresh parsley or even a hint of fresh oregano could also be lovely additions. Remember, fresh herbs often have a milder flavor than dried, so you might need to use a larger quantity.

Vegetable Variations: I love using contrasting colored bell peppers (like red, yellow, and orange) because they add visual appeal and a gentle sweetness. However, any color bell pepper will work perfectly. The key is their fresh crunch and mild flavor, which provide a beautiful contrast to the soft pasta and savory meat. Don’t skip them if you can help it! Other vegetables like chopped zucchini, spinach (stirred in at the very end to wilt), or even mushrooms could also be fantastic additions.

Cheese Toppings: Shaved Parmesan cheese is my go-to for its elegant presentation and sharp, nutty flavor. But if you prefer, grated or shredded Parmesan works just as well. You could also experiment with other hard Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a saltier, tangier kick, or even a milder aged Asiago. The goal is to add an extra layer of savory depth and a touch of indulgence to your serving, so choose what you love!

Another enticing shot of Pesto Spaghetti in a rustic bowl, garnished with basil leaves and parmesan, highlighting its fresh appeal.

Explore More Tasty Pasta Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and flavor of this Pesto Spaghetti, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our delightful pasta creations. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food or something a bit more adventurous, we have a pasta dish to satisfy every craving. Dive into our collection and find your next family favorite!

Homemade Pasta Dough: Elevate any pasta dish by starting from scratch!
Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken: A viral sensation that’s easy and incredibly flavorful.
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Homemade Sausage Manicotti: Rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
Quick and Classic Lasagna: All the layers of flavor without all the fuss.
Giant Meatballs in Tomato Sauce: Impress with these hearty, tender meatballs.
Cheeze-It Mac & Cheese: A fun, cheesy twist on a childhood favorite.
Restaurant-Style Alfredo Sauce: Master the art of creamy, luscious Alfredo at home.
Baked Goat Cheese Pasta: A sophisticated and tangy pasta dish.

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📖 Recipe

Yield: 6-8 Servings

Pesto Spaghetti

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

This recipe for Pesto Spaghetti is reminiscent of something my mom used to make when I was a kid and floods back some great flavor memories. It’s an easy, budget-friendly weeknight meal that’s versatile and packed with deliciousness.

Ingredients

2 pounds Ground Turkey (or chicken, beef, or Italian sausage)
1 ½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
¾ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
1 pound Angel Hair Pasta (or other preferred pasta shape)
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a kick)
½ teaspoon dried Basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)
1 cup Grape Tomatoes, halved
1 cup Bell Peppers, chopped – any color (e.g., red, yellow, orange)
½ cup Basil Pesto (homemade or store-bought)
Shaved Parmesan, for serving (or grated/shredded)

Instructions

Set a large pot of water over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil for the pasta. Once boiling, generously salt the water.

In a separate large pot or skillet, brown the ground turkey (or your chosen meat) over medium-high heat. Season thoroughly with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper as it cooks. Break up the meat with a spoon or meat chopper until no pink remains.

When the meat is almost done browning (around 5-7 minutes), drop the pasta into the boiling salted water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.

After the turkey is fully cooked and browned, carefully tip any excess liquid or fat from the bottom of the pot into the sink. This ensures a richer sauce base.

Add the extra virgin olive oil to the pan with the browned meat. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), dried basil, halved grape tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and integrate their flavors. Next, stir in the basil pesto until well combined. Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta along with about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Serve immediately, topped generously with shaved Parmesan cheese and an optional sprinkle of fresh basil or pepper flakes.

Notes

Notes & Tips

The key to making this recipe in minutes is starting with two pots on the stove. Begin there with a pot of water and bring it to a boil for the pasta.

Then just as the water begins to boil, start browning the meat. Then after the meat is brown, add the pasta to the water and it will be done just as everything is cooked, then just toss the pasta into the meat pot. And dinner is ready to eat!

To make quick, easy work of halving grape tomatoes, put them between two storage container tops and with a serrated knife cut many in half at once. Done in seconds.

Substitutions

In place of the ground turkey, you could also use chicken, or even Italian sausage if you’d like.

I LOVE fine angel hair pasta, but you could really use any kind of pasta you like. Or even just straight-up spaghetti.

Of course, if you have fresh herbs available, use them. I add some dry basil in the recipe for an extra punch of flavor, but you could always use fresh!

I like to use contrasting colored bell peppers, but really any color will work here. They just bring a nice fresh crunch to the soft pasta, so I suggest using them no matter what.

And as far as the shaved parmesan goes, I just like it for looks, but you could swap it for grated or shredded. Just add some to the top for extra flavor, you’ll love it.

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Spaghetti with Pesto