Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

why make this recipe

Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together flavorful ingredients and a comforting texture. Using ground turkey provides a lean protein option, making this meal both nutritious and filling. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, the combination of creamy sauce and fresh spinach gives it a rich flavor that everyone will love.

how to make Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, roughly 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Season the turkey with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
9. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat it in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
10. Divide the pasta onto plates and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

how to serve Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

Serve Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta warm right after cooking. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

how to store Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

You can store leftover Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to help loosen the sauce.

tips to make Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

• Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
• If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey.
• You can swap out ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• To make it even creamier, add more heavy cream or cheese as desired.

variation

To switch things up, you could add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also use different types of pasta based on your preference, and for a lighter version, consider using whole wheat pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve. Just mix them together before serving.

2. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While it is safe to freeze, the texture may change when reheating. If you plan to freeze it, consider not adding the spinach until after it is thawed and reheated.

3. Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream or even milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.

Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

A delightful and satisfying dish combining lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
• 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli) Use whole wheat pasta for a lighter version.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped Use fresh for best flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use low-fat cream or milk.
• 1 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving.
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cooking

1. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Season the turkey with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat it in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
7. Divide the pasta onto plates and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding broth or water to loosen the sauce. Consider variations like adding mushrooms or bell peppers.