Lemon Pepper Pasta Recipe with Turkey: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
This is a great recipe for a simple lemon pepper pasta recipe with ground turkey. It comes together super fast and tastes amazing.
Pair this dinner with some other delicious recipes like Fall Roasted Veggies, Cheddar Bacon Biscuits and S’mores Brownies for dessert.

Lemon Pepper Pasta is a simple, delicious, and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. This creamy pasta recipe, made with savory ground turkey, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, and a hint of fresh parsley, offers a refreshing twist on classic pasta. It brings together bright citrus notes with rich cream, balancing flavors perfectly for a satisfying, one-pot meal. Serve it with your favorite veggies, fresh bread, or a light side for a wholesome dinner you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pepper Pasta
Lemon Pepper Pasta is a dish with multiple layers of flavor, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to elevate a quick pasta dinner. The fresh, zesty lemon pairs well with the rich cream, creating a vibrant and hearty sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. The addition of lemon pepper seasoning enhances the lemon’s tang and brings a peppery depth that balances the richness, while ground turkey adds a light, lean protein to keep the dish satisfying without weighing you down.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep, it comes together in under 30 minutes and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with the complex taste, makes it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. Plus, with a few minor adjustments, you can adapt this recipe to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or just to shake things up a bit.
Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Pasta
- Ziti or pasta of your choice
- Ground turkey
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic
- Heavy whipping cream
- Chicken broth
- Fresh lemon juice (save some lemon zest for garnish if you like)
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley

How to Make Lemon Pepper Pasta
- Cook the Pasta
Start by filling a large pot with water, bringing it to a boil, and adding your pasta. Cook until the pasta reaches a firm, al dente texture, then strain and transfer it to a large bowl for easy mixing later. - Brown the Ground Turkey
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it’s fully browned. Once done, remove it from the skillet and drain any excess grease, keeping the skillet ready for the next step. - Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, releasing the garlic’s aroma to infuse the oil. Then, pour in heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, and a splash of lemon juice. Sprinkle in lemon pepper seasoning along with a bit of salt and pepper, stirring the mixture to create a smooth, creamy sauce. - Combine Ingredients
Add the browned turkey to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Finally, fold in the pasta, mixing until every piece is covered with the creamy lemon-pepper sauce. Serve with fresh parsley as a garnish.













Variations to Try for Lemon Pepper Pasta
- Add Vegetables
Add a boost of nutrition by incorporating fresh vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes. Simply toss them into the skillet pan when cooking the sauce to lightly sauté them until tender. - Swap the Protein
If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, try ground chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each alternative offers a unique texture and taste, making the dish versatile and suitable for different diets. - Go for Extra Creaminess
For a creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy whipping cream or add a spoonful of cream cheese. This will give the sauce a richer consistency, perfect for those who enjoy an extra-luxurious pasta dish. - Experiment with Herbs and Spices
While lemon pepper seasoning is the main flavor here, try adding a dash of paprika for a smoky touch or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or even a sprinkle of dill can also add an interesting depth of flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, Lemon Pepper Pasta stores and reheats beautifully. Simply place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
For meal prep, you can make the sauce and cook the turkey in advance, storing them separately. This allows you to quickly assemble the dish when ready by boiling the pasta and combining it all for a fresh, delicious meal in minutes.

Common Questions About Lemon Pepper Pasta
1. Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is a great choice, any pasta with a similar shape—like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle—works well. The sauce clings nicely to pasta with ridges, making each bite flavorful. But many pastas will work even spaghetti or linguine if it is all you have on hand.
2. What should I serve with Lemon Pepper Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple side like steamed asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach complements the creaminess and bright lemon flavors in the pasta.
3. Can I freeze Lemon Pepper Pasta?
Freezing this pasta isn’t ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate upon thawing. However, if you do freeze it, make sure to add a bit of cream when reheating to help bring the sauce back together.
4. Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut cream, or even a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter option with less calories. Keep in mind, though, that the consistency may change slightly.
5. How can I make this pasta spicier?
To give this dish a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle a bit of chili oil on top before serving. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper can also add a hint of heat without overpowering the lemon flavor.

With a short prep time, a comforting yet light flavor profile, and plenty of room for customization, Lemon Pepper Pasta is an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dinner option. It’s a recipe that hits all the marks: easy, tasty, and adaptable. So, next time you’re in the mood for a lemony pasta dish, give this one a try—you’ll likely find yourself adding it to your weekly rotation.

Lemon Pepper Turkey Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz ziti noodles
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot halfway with water, and boil over high heat. Add noodles, and boil until noodles are al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Once pasta is done cooking, strain the water, and transfer pasta to a large bowl.
- While the noodles are cooking, brown the ground turkey over medium heat.
- Once the turkey is browned, remove it from the skillet, and drain the grease.
- Add the olive oil and garlic to the empty skillet, and cook until fragrant.
- Add heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is completely combined.
- When the sauce is done, stir in the turkey mixture, then fold into the bowl of pasta.
- Garnish with parsley to serve.
Notes
We can’t wait for you to try this simple recipe. It is a great way to add an different recipe into your meal lineup.
More easy dinner ideas for weeknights:
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I'm Emily and I share my ideas to celebrate and create over at The Benson Street.