Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta: The Ultimate Healthy Weeknight Dinner
Discover your new go-to healthy dinner! This Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta is a protein-packed, veggie-loaded meal that comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes. Featuring lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and a light, flavorful tomato sauce, it’s the perfect satisfying yet nutritious solution for busy weeknights.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1.25 lbs lean ground turkey (93/7 recommended)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 oz short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells
5 oz (about 5 cups) fresh baby spinach
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink. Remove the turkey to a plate, leaving any drippings in the pan.
To the same pan, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering sauce. Stir to submerge. Cover the pan, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir the cooked ground turkey back into the pan. Add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring until it wilts into the hot pasta, about 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
One-Pot Success: The key is using a pan large enough to hold all the ingredients as the pasta cooks. A Dutch oven or deep 12-inch skillet is perfect.
Pasta Choice: Any short pasta that cooks in about 10-12 minutes will work. The pasta absorbs the flavorful broth as it cooks.
Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half with the Parmesan cheese.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
