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Home » Blog » Main Dish Recipes » Southwest Turkey Pasta

Southwest Turkey Pasta

Cathy Roma Published: Aug 2, 2023

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This simple yet satisfying southwest turkey pasta is exploding with flavor and on your table in under an hour.
This simple yet satisfying southwest turkey pasta is exploding with flavor and on your table in under an hour.
Overhead shot of a pot of Southwest Turkey Pasta with a wooden spoon.

I’m always looking for variations of my family’s favorite one pot pasta dishes and today’s southwest turkey pasta did not disappoint. Loaded with flavor and a smidge of heat, this hearty dish is ready to be scooped up and served in under an hour.

What makes this dish pop is a healthy dose of southwest seasoning that can be found in most grocery stores. But never fear, if you can’t find it in your local store, it’s super simple to make your own. Simply combine equal parts chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt.

Overhead shot of a serving of Southwest Turkey Pasta with tomatoes and herbs scattered on the table.

Pro-tip: make your own southwest seasoning in bulk and store it in an airtight container for future use. I promise that it will become part of your regular rotation as it is delicious on grilled fish or chicken, brings flair to a pot of chili, and even tastes great tossed into popcorn as it pops.

The ground turkey keeps this dish lean and the black beans add extra protein. Dry pasta gets tossed right into the sauce to cook, keeping dirty dishes to a minimum and just a splash of cream and handful of cheese makes this dish feel creamy and decadent.

Overhead shot of a serving of Southwest Turkey Pasta with a fork perched on the bowl.

Substitutions are easy peasy for this southwest turkey pasta. Sub ground chicken or beef for the turkey, use your favorite beans, and any short pasta will work in a pinch. If you like it extra spicy, a splash of hot sauce and a big pinch of cayenne will do the trick.

I know you’ll love this southwest pasta whether you follow this recipe to the letter or if you put your own spin on it. It’s a weeknight superstar and crowd-pleaser for sure!

Let’s make Southwest Turkey Pasta

Step by step photos showing how to make Southwest Turkey Pasta. Saute onion (1), add garlic (2), add ground turkey (3), add seasonings (4)
  1. Saute the chopped onion in oil and cook until translucent, about 4 mins. 
  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 mins.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the pan, break it up and cook just until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 mins.
  4. Stir in the Southwestern spices, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 min.
Step by step photos showing how to make Southwest Turkey Pasta. add tomato sauce (5) add pasta (6) add beans and cream (7) add herbs and serve (8)
  1. Stir in the green chiles, tomato sauce, and turkey stock. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add the fusilli to the pot and reduce to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 15 mins. Stir occasionally.
  3. Add the cream, black beans, and half the cheese. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5-10 mins until the sauce is thickened and slightly reduced.
  4. Stir in the cilantro. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Southwest Turkey Pasta in a pot sprinkled with herbs ready to serve.

Tips for success

  • Can’t find southwest seasoning in the store? Make your own blend!
    • Southwest Seasoning: 1/2 tsp each: chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt
  • I love ground turkey in this dish, but ground chicken or beef would make great substitutions. Be sure to drain off the excess fat if you’re using beef.
  • This recipe calls for dry, uncooked pasta. The pasta will cook in the stock/tomato sauce and it will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
  • Black beans are my go-to in this dish, but pink or pinto beans work too. Or use a combination for a little variety.
  • Like it spicy? Add a giant pinch of cayenne or a few splashes of hot sauce for a little kick!
Southwest Turkey Pasta read to serve!

More one pot favorites!

  • One Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini with Spinach and Tomatoes
  • One Pot Lasagna Soup
  • One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
  • Hearty Vegetarian Chili
  • Classic American Goulash
Overhead shot of a serving of Southwest Turkey Pasta with a fork perched on the bowl and the serving dish nearby.
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Overhead shot of Southwest Turkey Pasta sprinkled with herbs and ready to serve.
Print
Southwest Turkey Pasta
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
 

This simple yet satisfying southwest turkey pasta is exploding with flavor and on your table in under an hour.

Course: Main Dish/Pasta
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Keyword: Southwestern, Southwestern pasta, Southwestern Turkey Pasta
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 643 kcal
Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For…
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 Tbsp Southwest seasoning (see notes for making your own)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 7 oz minced green chiles (2 – 4.5 oz cans)
  • 28 oz tomato sauce (1 large can)
  • 3 cups turkey stock (or chicken stock)
  • 8 oz fusilli pasta dry, (or pasta of your choosing)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 15 oz black beans, drained (1 can)
  • 8 oz shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend, divided
  • 2 Tbsp cilantro, minced + extra for garnish
  • green onion, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil over med/high heat in a medium pot or deep sided pan until hot but not smoking. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 mins.

  2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 mins.

  3. Add the ground turkey to the pan, break it up and cook just until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 mins.

  4. Stir in the Southwestern spices, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 min.

  5. Stir in the green chiles, tomato sauce, and turkey stock. Bring to a boil.

  6. Add the fusilli to the pot and reduce to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 15 mins. Stir occasionally.

  7. Add the cream, black beans, and half the cheese. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5-10 mins until the sauce is thickened and slightly reduced.

  8. Stir in the cilantro. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

  9. Scoop into bowls and serve topped with remaining cheese, a sprinkle of cilantro and green onions if desired.

Recipe Notes
  • Can’t find southwest seasoning in the store? Make your own blend!
    • Southwest Seasoning: 1/2 tsp each: chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt
  • I love ground turkey in this dish, but ground chicken or beef would make great substitutions. Be sure to drain off the excess fat if you’re using beef.
  • This recipe calls for dry, uncooked pasta. The pasta will cook in the stock/tomato sauce and it will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
  • Black beans are my go-to in this dish, but pink or pinto beans work too. Or use a combination for a little variety.
  • Like it spicy? Add a giant pinch of cayenne or a few splashes of hot sauce for a little kick!

 

 

 

Nutrition Facts
Southwest Turkey Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 643 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Trans Fat 0.02g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 119mg40%
Sodium 1739mg76%
Potassium 1267mg36%
Carbohydrates 56g19%
Fiber 9g38%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 50g100%
Vitamin A 1272IU25%
Vitamin C 25mg30%
Calcium 353mg35%
Iron 5mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
1

Main Dish Recipes, Recipe one dish, southwest, ground turkey, black beans, comfort food, easy, pasta, turkey, weeknight, one pot

About Cathy Roma

My food philosophy is simple: everything in moderation. Sweet, savory, healthy, decadent…food, like life, is all about balance. I rely on my background as a trained chef/mom to create family-friendly recipes that will inspire you to cook, not complicate your life.

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  1. Suzanne says

    April 17, 2024 at 1:58 am

    This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors!

    Reply

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HEY THERE, I’M CATHY.

My food philosophy is simple: everything in moderation. Sweet, savory, healthy, decadent…food, like life, is all about balance. I rely on my background as a trained chef/mom to create family-friendly recipes that will inspire you to cook, not complicate your life.

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