Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta: The Ultimate Healthy Weeknight Dinner
A flavorful and nutritious pasta dish combining lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or fusilli pasta (whole wheat adds fiber; gluten-free works)
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking
Ground Turkey
- 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey (93/7 blend) (substitute with ground chicken or lean beef)
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach, packed (frozen spinach works—thaw and squeeze dry)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (for aromatic sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (to release maximum flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz)
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (concentrated umami depth)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (to balance acidity)
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 zest of 1 lemon (for brightness)
Additional ingredients
- to taste Sun-dried tomatoes (for intense flavor)
- to taste Kalamata olives (for Mediterranean flair)
- to taste Pine nuts (for crunch)
- to taste Fresh mozzarella pearls
- to taste Extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, honey, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and basil; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and spinach; toss to combine and cook until spinach wilts. Finish with Parmesan and pine nuts, then serve with mozzarella pearls and extra toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast pine nuts before adding. Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes.