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.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Season the turkey mixture with paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and stir it into the skillet until melted and incorporated.

Step 8

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 9

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 10

Serve warm and garnish with additional parsley or shredded cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2117.9 grams (2117.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3131

Total Fat 167.10g	214%
Saturated Fat 87.40g	437%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.20g
Cholesterol 701mg	234%
Sodium 5091mg	221%
Total Carbohydrate 211.90g	77%
Dietary Fiber 10.40g	37%
Total Sugars 28.80g
Protein 199.70g	399%

Vitamin D 107IU	537%
Calcium 2187mg	168%
Iron 11mg	60%
Potassium 1673mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.7%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 26.9%