Introduction

This easy ground turkey pasta dish is a delicious and comforting meal that comes together quickly. With a creamy tomato sauce, a hint of spice, and plenty of fresh spinach, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Easy Ground Turkey Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 white onion (finely sliced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
500 g ground turkey
2 tbsp tomato paste
400 g canned tomatoes (+ 200 ml water to rinse out the can)
200 ml light or single cream
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
35 g parmesan (grated, plus extra for garnish)
300 g spinach
500 g pasta (cooked according to packet instructions)
1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to season

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When hot, add the finely sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions soften.
Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook and stir for 5-10 minutes until the turkey is lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, canned tomatoes along with the 200 ml water used to rinse the can, light cream, dried oregano, and chili flakes. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Then, add balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan to the sauce. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Step 5: Taste the sauce once more and adjust seasoning if needed. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 6: Divide the pasta into four bowls and garnish with extra grated parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream instead of light cream.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra veggies.
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to garnish instead of dried oregano.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess moisture.

What pasta types work best for this recipe?

This sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.

Easy Ground Turkey Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

A comforting and flavorful ground turkey pasta dish featuring a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, spinach, and a hint of chili. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender ground turkey with aromatic herbs, finished with parmesan cheese for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 white onion, finely sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
500 g ground turkey
300 g spinach

Sauce Ingredients

2 tbsp tomato paste
400 g canned tomatoes
200 ml water (to rinse out canned tomatoes)
200 ml light or single cream
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
35 g parmesan, grated (plus more for garnish)

Other

500 g pasta (cooked according to packet instructions)
1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Place a large pan on medium heat and drizzle with 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil. Once hot, add in the sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir frequently for 5 minutes or until the onions have softened and become translucent.
Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pan. Break it apart with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook and stir for 5-10 minutes until the turkey is browned slightly and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, canned tomatoes along with 200 ml of water used to rinse out the can, light cream, dried oregano, and chili flakes. Mix everything well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
Cook Pasta and Finish Sauce: Begin cooking the pasta in salted boiling water according to the packet instructions. Meanwhile, pour the balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan into the sauce. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Taste the sauce again and adjust any seasoning as needed. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly into the sauce pan. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve: Divide the pasta between 4 bowls and garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty ground turkey pasta dish!

Notes

You can substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance or omit for a milder flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
This dish can be reheated in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added as garnish for extra freshness.

Keywords: ground turkey pasta, easy pasta dish, creamy tomato pasta, weeknight dinner, spinach pasta, stovetop pasta recipe