Easy Ground Turkey Harvest Pasta

Easy Ground Turkey Harvest Pasta combines ground turkey, sweet potatoes, broccoli, fresh sage, and shell pasta in a light maple cream sauce. It's a hearty weeknight dinner filled with simple ingredients and cozy fall flavors. I love the flavor of breakfast sausage. The warm sage. The hint of sweetness. The cozy, comforting taste that seems to belong in every savory fall recipe. But I've been trying to move away from processed meats whenever possible.

Why I created this recipe

Processed meats have been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, and while we still enjoy them occasionally, I've been looking for ways to recreate those familiar flavors using simpler ingredients. Trust me, I was so sad when I realized just how many foods were classified as processed meat — I’m also trying to figure out alternatives to ham and cheese at lunch. Stay tuned for that blog about healthier alternatives to deli meat sandwiches! That's where this recipe came from. Fresh sage and pure maple syrup create a flavor that reminds me of sausage without actually using sausage. Combined with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pasta shells, the result is a hearty, affordable meal that feels like comfort food while still including plenty of vegetables.

It's one of those recipes that came together from ingredients I already had in the kitchen and ended up becoming one of my favorites, especially with a loaf of fresh bread! I’m working on cleaning out my pantry right now but if I were buying pasta I would look for one of the protein rich options or another enriched type of pasta for more nutrient diversity.

Why We Love This Harvest Pasta

Family-friendly.

Packed with vegetables.

Great use for fresh sage.

Budget-friendly.

One large skillet meal.

Comfort food without feeling heavy.

Perfect for fall and winter.

Equipment You'll Need

This recipe makes a large batch.

I used a 12-inch skillet and everything just fit. If you’re following the quantities in this recipe I would not go with anything smaller than 12 inches.

Once all the pasta, broccoli, turkey, and sweet potatoes are added, a smaller skillet becomes difficult to stir.

You'll also need a large skillet, baking sheet, pot for pasta, cutting board, sharp knife, measuring spoons, and measuring cups.

Why Sage and Maple Syrup Taste Like Sausage

One of the things that makes this recipe unique is the combination of sage and maple syrup.

Sage is one of the signature flavors commonly used in breakfast sausage seasoning. When paired with a touch of maple syrup, it creates a familiar savory-sweet flavor that many people associate with sausage.

Using fresh sage and maple syrup allowed me to recreate those comforting flavors while using ground turkey and simple pantry ingredients.

What Is Harvest Pasta?

Harvest pasta is a pasta dish made with seasonal vegetables, herbs, protein, and pasta.

This version combines sweet potatoes, broccoli, fresh sage, ground turkey, and shell pasta in a light maple cream sauce for a cozy fall-inspired meal.

What Vegetables Work Well in Harvest Pasta?

Many fall vegetables work beautifully in harvest pasta recipes, including sweet potatoes, broccoli, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, kale, carrots, and cauliflower.

Sweet potatoes and broccoli work especially well together because they provide both sweetness and texture.

Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead?

Yes. Ground chicken works well in place of ground turkey and still pairs nicely with the sage and maple flavors.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes.

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

The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.

Can I Freeze It?

Yes.

Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.

Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What Herbs Pair Well with Turkey and Sweet Potatoes?

Several herbs complement turkey and sweet potatoes, including:

Sage

Thyme (using sparingly if fresh)

Rosemary

Parsley

Chives

Sage is particularly popular because it enhances both the turkey and the sweet potatoes while contributing a classic fall flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with:

Homemade sourdough bread

Dinner rolls

A simple green salad

Fresh fruit

We served ours with a fresh loaf of same-day sourdough bread.

Harvest Pasta Recipe At a Glance

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Main Protein: Ground Turkey

Vegetables: Sweet Potato, Broccoli, Onion

Herb: Fresh Sage

Pasta: Shell Pasta

Season: Fall and Winter

A Cozy Harvest Dinner

This Easy Ground Turkey Harvest Pasta is a simple meal made from everyday ingredients that come together to create something surprisingly comforting.

The combination of sweet potatoes, broccoli, sage, maple syrup, and turkey creates a dish that feels right at home on a cool fall evening. It's filling, flavorful, and a great way to incorporate vegetables into a family-friendly dinner.

If you're making this recipe with children nearby, be sure to check out the matching Naptime Village activities:

Feed the Turkey Cut-and-Paste Activity

Harvest Pasta Search-and-Color Page

Toby the Turkey and the Harvest Pasta Story Sheet

Because sometimes a little learning and a little fun belong right alongside dinner. 🍂🦃🍠🥦🍝

Equipment

Large 12-inch skillet
Baking sheet
Pot for pasta
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Small microwave-safe container

Step-by-step

6 –8 servings

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2
Peel and cube the sweet potato into bite-sized pieces.
3
Spread the sweet potato onto a baking sheet and roast for approximately 20 minutes, or until fork tender. Spray with a spritz of oil for a little crisp if desired.
4
While the sweet potatoes roast, cook half a box of shell pasta according to package directions.
5
Drain the pasta and set aside.
6
Heat the beef tallow in a large skillet over medium heat.
7
Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
8
Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Add the frozen broccoli florets and cook until heated through and tender.
10
If excess liquid accumulates in the skillet, drain it before continuing.
11
Add the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked shell pasta, and chopped sage.
12
Stir everything together gently. At this point, the skillet will be very full.
13
In a small microwave-safe container, melt 2 tablespoons butter and combine with the heavy cream and pure maple syrup.
14
Pour the maple cream sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is coated.
15
Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
16
Serve warm.

Step insights

Roasting the sweet potato first helps it become tender and lightly caramelized before it is added to the skillet.
Cooking the pasta while the sweet potatoes roast keeps the recipe moving efficiently.
A 12-inch skillet is helpful because this recipe makes a large batch.
Draining excess liquid keeps the final pasta from becoming watery.
Adding the sage near the end keeps its flavor fresh and noticeable.
The butter, cream, and maple syrup create a light sauce that brings the turkey, vegetables, and pasta together.