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Creamy Skillet Ground Turkey and Spinach Pasta

A close-up bowl of creamy ground turkey pasta mixed with wilted spinach and white sauce.
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Make this creamy skillet ground turkey and spinach pasta for a quick, comforting, and healthy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces dry pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned completely. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the dry pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts completely into the sauce.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil if you choose.

Notes

  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
  • For a cheesier turkey pasta bake feel, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until bubbly.
  • This recipe is a great base for healthy ground turkey recipes; add diced carrots or mushrooms with the onion for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/ground-turkey-pasta/