Name: Homemade Instant Pot Ground Turkey Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups chicken broth; 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Homemade Instant Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe

This recipe is all about convenience and flavor. The Instant Pot does most of the work, cooking the pasta and sauce together so every bite is infused with savory goodness. Using ground turkey keeps the dish lighter while still providing plenty of protein.

You’ll love that it’s a true one-pot meal—no need to boil pasta separately. It’s also highly customizable, making it easy to add vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Best of all, it’s ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oil
small onion, diced
ground turkey
salt
garlic powder
paprika
dried oregano
lemon pepper seasoning
tomato paste
water
penne pasta
marinara sauce
red pepper flakes (optional)
fresh spinach
fresh lemon juice
grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent.
Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is mostly browned.
Stir in the salt, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, lemon pepper seasoning, and tomato paste. Mix well to coat the turkey evenly.
Pour in the water and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Add the uncooked penne pasta, spreading it evenly in the pot.
Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta, gently spreading it across the top. Do not stir.
Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes (or half the time listed on your pasta package).
When the cooking time ends, perform a quick pressure release.
Open the lid and stir everything together. Add the fresh spinach and lemon juice, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes under pressure (plus time to come to pressure)
Total time: about 25–30 minutes

Variations

For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese after pressure cooking.

Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or even lean ground beef for a slightly richer flavor.

Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers when sautéing the onion for added nutrition and texture.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta type.

For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of liquid as needed.

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or shells. Adjust the cooking time to half of the package instructions for best results.

Why shouldn’t I stir the sauce before pressure cooking?

Layering the sauce on top helps prevent the burn warning and ensures even cooking in the Instant Pot.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I avoid overcooked pasta?

Cook the pasta for half the time listed on the package and perform a quick release as soon as the timer goes off.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as you do not exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. Cooking time remains the same.

What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

You can substitute with your favorite pasta sauce, such as tomato basil, garlic herb, or even a spicy arrabbiata.

Is ground turkey healthy?

Ground turkey is a lean source of protein and generally lower in fat compared to traditional ground beef.

Can I add cheese inside the pasta instead of just on top?

Yes, you can stir in shredded mozzarella or parmesan after cooking for a cheesier texture.

What if I get a burn warning on my Instant Pot?

Make sure you deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing and avoid stirring the sauce into the pasta before pressure cooking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can chop the onion and measure the seasonings in advance to save time, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Homemade Instant Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is a simple, satisfying meal that brings together lean protein, tender pasta, and rich tomato flavor in one convenient pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comfort and nourishment without complicated steps or lengthy cleanup. Once you try it, this easy recipe is sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.