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One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta is a quick, comforting meal combining lean ground turkey with tender pasta in a creamy tomato sauce. Cooked all in one pan, it features sautéed garlic and onions, rich tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, a splash of balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a touch of heavy cream and parmesan for a luscious finish. Baby spinach adds freshness and vibrant color to the dish, making it a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large handfuls baby spinach

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 ¾ cups chicken broth (plus approx. ¼ cup more if needed)
  • ⅔ – 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Pantry Staples and Seasonings

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1-2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Heat and sauté aromatics: Heat a large sauté pan or shallow Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to warm. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they begin to turn translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Brown the ground turkey: Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan. Add the ground turkey, letting it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop some browning. Break it into chunks and continue cooking until no longer pink and internal temperature approaches 165°F, as it will finish cooking while simmering later.
  3. Add tomato base and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute to deepen flavor. Reduce heat to medium, then add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
  4. Simmer and cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should be just under al dente. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is done, add a bit more broth as needed to maintain moisture.
  5. Finish with cream, cheese, and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and baby spinach. Continue stirring until the parmesan melts and the spinach wilts. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
  6. Serve with fresh basil: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a fresh, aromatic garnish. Allow the pasta to rest 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

  • Use medium shell pasta as recommended, but cooking time may vary with different types.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while cooling, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
  • Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
  • For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://myeasyplate.com/one-pot-ground-turkey-pasta-recipe/