Pin This A festive, comforting pasta dish featuring tender turkey, fresh spinach, and a luxuriously creamy sauce&mdashall made in a single pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
This hearty dish quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, perfect for busy nights and festive gatherings alike
Ingredients
- Poultry: 350 g (12 oz) cooked turkey breast, shredded or chopped
- Vegetables: 150 g (5 oz) fresh baby spinach, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- Dairy: 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Liquids: 750 ml (3 cups) low sodium chicken or turkey broth, 120 ml (½ cup) milk
- Seasonings: ½ tsp dried thyme, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Extra Parmesan cheese, Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 23 minutes until softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add the pasta, broth, milk, thyme, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for 1012 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the turkey and spinach. Cook uncovered for 23 minutes, until the spinach wilts and turkey is heated through.
- Step 5:
- Lower the heat, add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Pin This This pasta has brought joy and warmth to our family dinners, often paired with laughter and lasting memories
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, Wooden spoon, Measuring cups and spoons, Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan, butter) and gluten (pasta). Parmesan may contain animal rennet use a vegetarian alternative if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories 545, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 36 g
Pin This This creamy spinach and turkey pasta is perfect for holiday meals and family gatherings
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute turkey with other meats?
Yes, leftover roast chicken is an excellent alternative that works well with the creamy sauce and spinach.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce nicely and cooks evenly in one pot.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can swap cream and Parmesan for dairy-free substitutes, but the sauce's richness may vary slightly.
- → How do I prevent pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid to allow the pasta to cook evenly without sticking.
- → Can I add spices for extra heat?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce nicely.