Description
This Ground Turkey Veggie Pasta is a quick-cooking comfort food that combines lean protein-packed turkey with vibrant fresh vegetables, ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining it; this starchy liquid is key for making the sauce creamy and helping the ingredients bind together.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey to the skillet and sprinkle it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes or until the turkey is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break it up for even cooking. This step infuses the turkey with robust flavors.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these together for 3–4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, which will add to the flavor profile. Then, add the chopped asparagus to the skillet and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until it’s tender but still has a bit of a crunch, contributing great texture to the dish.
- Once the asparagus is ready, throw in the fresh spinach. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to gently toss the spinach with the turkey and vegetables, letting it wilt, which should take about 1–2 minutes. This step boosts the nutrients of the dish and adds a lovely color.
- Now add the drained penne pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet, stirring everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. The reserved water is essential in creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta without being too greasy.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch not only enhances the dish’s creaminess but also elevates the flavor. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if required.
Notes
Feel free to customize the recipe with your choice of vegetables or protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 30 g