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One-Pot Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 81 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This one-pot ground turkey pasta is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dinner that combines ground turkey, pasta, and a luscious tomato cream sauce. Made entirely in one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cleanup. The recipe features garlic, onion, Italian herbs, spinach, and is finished with Parmesan and cream for a rich, comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 ¾ cups chicken broth (plus ¼ cup extra if needed)
  • 1-2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (medium shells recommended)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 large handfuls baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ⅔ – 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large sauté pan or shallow Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and warm it up. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes until slightly translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Ground Turkey: Push onions and garlic to one side of the pan. Add ground turkey in the cleared space and let it brown untouched for a couple of minutes. Break it apart and continue cooking until no longer pink and internal temperature is just under 165°F. It will continue cooking during simmering.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in tomato paste and cook for about a minute. Reduce heat to medium. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue simmering gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until pasta is just under al dente. Add extra broth if too much liquid is absorbed before pasta is cooked.
  5. Finish with Cream, Parmesan, and Spinach: Stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan, and baby spinach. Mix until parmesan melts and spinach wilts. The sauce will thicken now and continue to thicken as it cools.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top if desired. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Pasta can be frozen but may become mushy when thawed.
  • Reheat in the microwave in single servings, heating 90 seconds to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or bake in a shallow dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on pasta type; protein-enriched pastas may cook quicker.
  • If the sauce is too soupy, add extra parmesan to thicken. If too thick, add more cream.
  • Remove from heat just before the pasta reaches desired thickness as it will continue cooking while cooling.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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