Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Dish Recipe

Introduction

This easy ground turkey pasta dish is a delicious and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavorful ingredients like tomato, spinach, and parmesan, it comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 white onion (finely sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 500 g ground turkey
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g canned tomatoes (+ 200 ml water to rinse out the can)
• 200 ml light or single cream
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili flakes (more or less depending on your spice tolerance)
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 35 g parmesan (grated, plus more for garnish)
• 300 g spinach
• 500 g pasta (cooked according to packet instructions)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a large pan on medium heat and drizzle with 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil. Once hot, add in the onions and garlic, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until the onions have softened.
2. Step 2: Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook and stir for 5-10 minutes until the turkey is lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, canned tomatoes along with the 200 ml water used to rinse the can, cream, oregano, and chili flakes. Mix well and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the packet instructions. Then, pour the balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan into the sauce pot, stirring to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
5. Step 5: Taste the sauce again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well combined.
6. Step 6: Divide the pasta into 4 bowls and garnish with extra grated parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, swap the light cream for double cream or use a mix of cream and a splash of white wine.
• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra texture and nutrition.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream, which can separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any pasta shape you like will work well. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are all great choices that hold the sauce nicely.

Is ground turkey a healthy choice for pasta dishes?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is leaner than many other ground meats, making it a great option for a lighter, protein-rich meal without sacrificing flavor.

Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Dish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

This Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Dish combines lean ground turkey, a rich tomato and cream sauce, and fresh spinach for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enhanced with garlic, onion, oregano, chili flakes, and parmesan, this quick stovetop recipe is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 white onion, finely sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 g ground turkey
• 300 g spinach

Sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g canned tomatoes + 200 ml water (to rinse out the can)
• 200 ml light or single cream
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 35 g parmesan, grated (plus more for garnish)

Pasta

• 500 g pasta (cooked according to packet instructions)

Seasoning and Oil

• 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook and stir for 5-10 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes along with 200 ml water used to rinse the can, light cream, dried oregano, and chili flakes. Mix well and leave the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Cook Pasta and Add Final Sauce Ingredients: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Then, add balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan to the sauce. Stir thoroughly and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Once the spinach has wilted, taste the sauce and adjust flavors as needed. Add the cooked and drained pasta into the sauce and stir to combine everything evenly.
6. Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into four bowls and garnish each serving with additional grated parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, flavorful ground turkey pasta dish!

Notes

• You can adjust the chili flakes or omit them entirely based on your spice preference.
• Use light cream for a lighter sauce, or substitute with full cream if you want a richer flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• If you prefer, fresh oregano can be used instead of dried; use about 1 tablespoon fresh and add it towards the end of cooking.

Keywords: ground turkey pasta, easy pasta recipes, healthy pasta dishes, turkey dinner, weeknight meal, creamy tomato sauce, spinach pasta, quick stovetop dinner