Are you craving a comforting yet healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This creamy turkey and spinach pasta is a delicious and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a fantastic option for a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch. This recipe is a celebration of homemade cooking at its finest – simple, delicious, and satisfying. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Brown the Turkey: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the chopped spinach, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, heavy cream (or coconut milk), oregano, and basil to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Make it cheesy: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese or add other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This creamy turkey and spinach pasta is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It's a simple recipe, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cooking with this best recipe!