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–+ servings
Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This creamy ground turkey spinach pasta is a quick, delicious, and nutritious one-skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne or Fusilli Choose gluten-free if preferred
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Can be swapped with chicken or beef
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Vegetable oil makes a fine substitute
  • 1 medium Onion Use yellow or white for sweetness
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced is ideal
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Consider half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth works for vegetarians
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Other hard cheeses can be used as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Swap with oregano or basil as needed
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Nutrition Boost
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach Frozen spinach is an option if fresh is unavailable

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • spatula
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne or fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate ground turkey, breaking it apart, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  5. Season turkey with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
  8. Add spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  9. Mix drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Monitor pasta closely to avoid overcooking. Adjust consistency of sauce with reserved pasta water. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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