This Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet is a flavorful, easy one-pan dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes! With tender penne pasta, juicy ground turkey seasoned with Greek spices, fresh spinach, and a melty Parmesan topping, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food.
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together fast with minimal chopping or prep, making it an excellent weeknight go-to.
- One-Skillet Convenience: Pasta, meat, and vegetables all cook in one pan, eliminating the need to boil pasta separately or wash extra dishes.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Lean ground turkey provides a healthy source of protein, while spinach adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite pasta shape, switch to ground chicken or even sausage for a flavor twist, or load it up with extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of Greek seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan creates layers of savory taste that appeal to both adults and kids.
Ingredients in Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet
- Ground turkey: A lean yet flavorful protein that browns quickly and pairs well with Mediterranean flavors.
- Greek seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices (usually oregano, basil, garlic, and lemon peel) that adds brightness and depth.
- Olive oil: Provides richness and helps develop flavor when sautéing garlic and meat.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant base that enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape holds sauce inside and keeps its texture in one-skillet recipes.
- Chicken broth: Cooking pasta in broth infuses it with savory flavor and eliminates the need to drain.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the pasta, adding freshness, nutrients, and a beautiful pop of green.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for a nutty, salty finish; freshly grated works best for flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips for Success
Full instructions for making the Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.
- Test pasta early: Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark so it stays al dente.
- Season at the end: Different broths and Parmesan brands have varying salt levels; adjust after cooking.
- Extra veggies: For more color and nutrients, sauté vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers along with the garlic.
- Creamier version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after adding the spinach for a richer sauce.
- Meal prep friendly: Make ahead and portion into containers for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the pasta from drying out.
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating (note that pasta will be softer).
Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp Greek seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey and sprinkle with Greek seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns, until it’s no longer pink.
- Add pasta and broth: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it’s well distributed. Pour in the chicken broth and stir again to combine.
- Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender and a small amount of broth remains.
- Add the spinach: Remove the lid and stir in fresh spinach. Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until wilted.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover for 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt, then serve hot.
Nutrition
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FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can swap in gluten-free pasta without a problem. Just check the cooking time since some gluten-free varieties soften faster and may require slightly less broth.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure to use an extra-large skillet so the pasta has enough room to cook evenly without overflowing.
Why cook pasta in broth instead of water?
Using chicken broth adds more depth of flavor and keeps the pasta extra savory. It also means you don’t have to drain the liquid, so none of the flavor gets lost.
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well for a similar light flavor, while beef gives the dish a richer taste. Adjust seasonings as needed since different meats have different flavor profiles.
What can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute baby kale, chopped Swiss chard, or even frozen spinach (thawed and drained). For a different flavor profile, try adding zucchini or broccoli florets instead.
More delicious one-pot dinner recipes to try:
- With fresh tomato, basil, and simple ingredients cooked in minutes, Martha’s One Pot Pasta is a flavorful dish you’ll want to make often.
- Italian Chicken Skillet combines chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella in a healthy, one-dish meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Made with spaghetti, sausage, cream cheese, and garlic, Creamy Sausage Spaghetti is an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.
- In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole, a hearty mix of ground beef, rice, peppers, and savory seasonings.
- Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli come together in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, a quick one-pot dinner the whole family will enjoy.
This Ground Turkey Pasta Skillet combines comfort, nutrition, and ease in one delicious meal, making it a great recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation.
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