Creamy Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta
A comforting creamy pasta dish featuring tender penne, lean ground turkey, and vibrant spinach, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked creates a firm, chewy texture
- 1 pound ground turkey adds lean protein
Sauce Ingredients
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth provides moisture and flavor
- 1 cup half-and-half adds creaminess
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese contributes a savory, salty flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing and flavor
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt enhances overall taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper adds mild heat
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice
- 1 small yellow onion, diced provides sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced adds aromatic richness
Vegetables
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed adds freshness and color
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later, and set it aside.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, add the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.
- Incorporate the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink and is starting to brown slightly.
- When the turkey is browned, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and add the half-and-half to the skillet, stirring until completely mixed in.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Finally, fold in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt gently as you stir the mixture.
- Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet, tossing everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Give it one last gentle stir and let it sit for a moment to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it warm.
Notes
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain the right texture. For a richer sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the half-and-half and cheese.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g
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