One-Pot Pasta with Ground Turkey and Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
, divided
- 3 teaspoon ground cumin
, divided
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 medium onion
, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
, diced
- 3 cloves garlic
, minced or pressed
- 1 10- ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 10 ounces dried penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach)
(2 big handfuls
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped cilantro
, for garnish
Directions
- 1
Heat the oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat until it shimmers and then add the ground turkey with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cumin, the oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and the crushed red pepper. Break up the turkey with the spices and cook for about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and pressed garlic and cook for another 5 minutes or until the turkey is browned and the veggies soften.
- 3
Add the canned tomatoes with green chiles to the skillet or pot with the rest of the kosher salt, cumin, black pepper, chili powder and stir.
- 4
Add the penne pasta and cover with the chicken broth, bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, cover and cook until the pasta is just tender, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Stir in the cream and fold in the spinach and cook until the spinach wilts, taste for seasoning and top with the shredded cheese.
- 6
Garnish with the chopped cilantro, sit back and watch the forks fly!
One-Pot Pasta with Ground Turkey and Spinach
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty pasta dish that comes together effortlessly on busy weeknights? This One-Pot Pasta with Ground Turkey and Spinach delivers satisfying flavors and minimal cleanup, making it an instant family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by embracing the one-pot method, concentrating all the delicious flavors into a single vessel. As the penne pasta simmers directly in the chicken broth and a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, ground turkey, and spices, it absorbs every savory note, creating a deeply integrated and rich sauce. Plus, cooking everything in one pot significantly reduces your post-dinner dishwashing, giving you more time to enjoy your meal.
What to Expect
You'll be greeted with a deliciously balanced dish featuring tender penne pasta coated in a creamy, savory sauce. The lean ground turkey provides a satisfying richness, while fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the mix, adding a touch of vibrant green and earthy flavor. Hints of cumin, oregano, and a gentle warmth from crushed red pepper flakes and chili powder round out the profile, all mellowed by a generous swirl of heavy cream and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It's a robust, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and surprisingly light.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to swap the ground turkey for lean ground chicken or even ground beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based ground substitute or adding extra beans like cannellini. You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes and chili powder. Different melting cheeses, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend, would also work beautifully in place of Monterey Jack.
Serve this One-Pot Pasta with Ground Turkey and Spinach as a complete meal on its own, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro as a garnish adds a bright, fresh finish that complements the dish beautifully.