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Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta is a comforting dish that pairs rich flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne or Fusilli gluten-free options if needed
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey can swap for ground chicken or beef
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or butter for richer taste
  • 1 medium Onion (Diced) or shallots as an alternative
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced) or garlic powder if out of fresh
For the Creamy Base
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream can substitute with half-and-half
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach or frozen spinach, squeeze out water
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Paprika optional but recommended
  • 2 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning or mix basil and oregano
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper essential for flavor

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart while cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Sprinkle in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir to combine and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
  7. Fold in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing gently to coat with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
  9. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Ensure to keep heat at medium when adding cream to avoid curdling. You can customize the dish with various vegetables as well.

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