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In the world of home cooking, few meals are as satisfying as a one-pan dish that brings together wholesome ingredients, delicious flavors, and simple preparation. Enter the Turkey Spinach Pasta Skillet, a delightful and nourishing meal that checks all the boxes for busy families and health-conscious eaters alike. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.

Turkey Spinach Pasta Skillet

Discover the flavors of the Turkey Spinach Pasta Skillet, a nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is a delicious way to sneak in extra greens that everyone will love. Versatile and easy to customize, you can adapt this dish to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy a wholesome meal without the hassle and keep your family happy and healthy!

Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat penne pasta

1 lb ground turkey

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Turkey: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground turkey. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced zucchini, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the zucchini softens.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked turkey to the skillet. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

          Add Spinach and Pasta: Once the mixture is simmering, fold in the roughly chopped spinach and the cooked penne pasta. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

            Melt the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the cheese to melt for about 3-5 minutes until bubbly and gooey.

              Serve: After the cheese has melted, remove the lid and gently stir the skillet to combine all ingredients. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously comforting Turkey Spinach Pasta Skillet!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4