One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach
In short: Ground turkey, short pasta, tomatoes and spinach simmered together in one pot, finished with Parmesan. A fast, family-sized dinner with little cleanup. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 530 kcal
The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up tomato, garlic and turkey flavor instead of plain water, and its starch thickens everything into a glossy sauce. It is a tidy way to get a full family dinner on the table with one pot and about 30 minutes. Spinach wilts in at the end, and Parmesan finishes it. Use any short pasta, such as penne, rotini or shells.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add the turkey, half the salt, the oregano, pepper and chili flakes. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and no pink remains.
- Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, stock and the remaining salt and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta, making sure it is submerged. Reduce to a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick.
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the Parmesan.
- Let it stand for 2 minutes to thicken, then serve with extra Parmesan.
Tips
- Stir often during the last 10 minutes, because the pasta starch can stick to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of hot water.
- Add diced zucchini or peppers with the onion for more vegetables. Cheddar or mozzarella can replace the Parmesan, and a handful of peas adds color.
Questions and answers
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, both work in the same amount. Brown ground beef a little longer for the best flavor.
Can I make this one-pot pasta gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free short pasta, cook it 2 minutes less than the package suggests and add the stock gradually.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs sauce as it sits, so add a splash of stock or water when reheating.
How long does it take to make One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach?
About 530 kcal per serving, with 36 g of protein, 53 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 530 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1350 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
