If you’re craving a wholesome and satisfying meal that you can whip up without fuss, look no further! This One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is the ultimate combination of convenience and deliciousness. Imagine tender turkey mingling with vibrant veggies and perfectly cooked pasta—all in one pot! It’s a dream dish that saves you time and minimizes cleanup while packing a punch of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this meal is ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutrition-Packed: Loaded with ground turkey, veggies, and spinach, it’s a hearty and healthful dish.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win!
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs with simple ingredient swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is as straightforward as it gets, using basic ingredients that come together to create a flavorful dish. Each item is selected to add its unique taste or texture, ensuring every bite is delightful.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to brown the turkey and sauté the veggies.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it’s the hearty foundation of the dish.
- Italian Herb Seasoning: Packs a punch of aromatic herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Diced Onion, Celery, and Carrot: A classic mirepoix for a savory base.
- Garlic: Intensifies the dish with its robust, pungent flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy depth that complements the turkey.
- Gluten-Free Penne: The backbone of the recipe, soaking up all the delightful flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes: Provides a juicy, fresh base that ties the sauce together.
- Spinach: Adds color and a nutritious boost, balancing the hearty ingredients.
Variations
One of the joys of this dish is its adaptability. Encourage your creative side by tweaking the One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Meaty Swap: Try using ground beef, pork, or chicken instead of turkey for a different protein profile.
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Add a generous portion of mozzarella or ricotta when you incorporate the spinach for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Tomato Upgrade: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes for a smoky undertone.
- Wine Infusion: Substitute the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce with red wine for a luxurious, rich flavor profile.
How to Make One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Turkey and Vegetables
In a large skillet, warm your olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, followed by the Italian seasoning and black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, breaking the meat apart until it’s nearly browned. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic—these veggies will soften up beautifully, adding their unique sweetness to the mix. Sauté for another 5 minutes until fully browned.
Step 2: Simmer it all Together
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and gluten-free soy sauce, cooking for an additional minute to let the flavors marry perfectly. Add the penne, diced tomatoes, and stock to the mixture. Stir everything to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Let the skillet reach a gentle simmer, cover it with a lid, and cook for about 7-8 minutes. This ensures the pasta absorbs all that gorgeous flavor!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure your pasta is just covered by liquid to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all flavors.
- Flavor Boost: Use a mixture of fresh herbs as a garnish to add a burst of freshness before serving.
- Timing is Everything: Keep an eye on the simmering time to prevent overcooked pasta; you want it perfectly al dente.
- Ingredient Swap: Try using different kinds of stock for varying complexities of flavor; beef stock adds richness, while chicken keeps it light.
How to Serve One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is versatile when it comes to garnishes. Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes for some heat or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant finish. A dash of nutritional yeast or a fresh grating of parmesan can also enhance the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this meal with a crisp garden salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil for a fresh contrast. Crusty garlic bread or even a simple bruschetta can complement the hearty pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of vibrant greens or herbs on top for a pop of color. For a rustic look, serve directly from the pot with a ladle, inviting your guests to help themselves. Alternatively, bake the pasta briefly to create a golden crust before serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container, your leftover pasta will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes it convenient to prepare in advance, perfect for busy weeks!
Freezing
If you’re planning to freeze your pasta, be sure to cool it completely first. Place into airtight containers and it will keep for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your pasta on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of stock or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
-
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the ground turkey with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable stock to make it completely vegan.
-
What gluten-free pasta works best?
Any gluten-free pasta will work, but penne holds up nicely and absorbs the flavors well. Look for brands noted for not getting too mushy when cooked.
-
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but ensure they are ripe and juicy. You may need to add some tomato paste for that concentrated tomato flavor.
-
Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
Frozen spinach can be a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, my dear friend—a delightful, fuss-free One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe that combines comfort and ease in one dish! Why not give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma that comes with every stir and sizzle? I guarantee this will become a beloved staple in your household, perfect for any night of the week.
PrintOne Pot Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This one-pot ground turkey pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that combines lean turkey, gluten-free pasta, and fresh vegetables all cooked together in a savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a healthy, hearty, and easy-to-make dinner with customizable toppings and substitutions.
Ingredients
Meat & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (15 ml)
- 750 g (1.6 lbs) ground turkey (7% fat)
- 1 tbsp Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 large celery stalks, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp gluten free soy sauce or tamari (15 ml)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or beef stock (600 ml)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz | 400 g)
Pasta & Greens
- 10 oz dried gluten free penne
- 2 cups spinach (60 g)
Cheese & Toppings
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (can substitute with parmesan cheese)
- Red chili flakes and fresh herbs for topping, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey, Italian herb seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is almost no pink remaining and is crumbled.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the turkey is fully browned. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, then cook for an additional minute.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the gluten-free penne, diced tomatoes, and stock. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the turkey mixture into an even layer, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a fitted lid and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish with cheese and greens: Remove the lid, stir in nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese, then turn off the heat. Add the spinach to the skillet, cover again, and let sit for about a minute to wilt the greens. Stir to combine, taste, and season with additional salt if needed. Serve hot with optional chili flakes and herbs.
Notes
- For a richer tomato flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste and sauté it with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes.
- You can substitute ground beef, pork, chicken, or sausage for the turkey for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer, replace the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce with 1/2 cup (120 ml) red wine, cooking it down before adding pasta for a richer taste.
- To make it cheesy, add chopped or grated mozzarella or ricotta with the spinach.
- Use low sodium stock for better control of salt content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *