Save A festive, comforting pasta dish featuring tender turkey, fresh spinach, and a luxuriously creamy sauce—all made in a single pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
This recipe quickly became a holiday family favorite because of its simplicity and delicious taste.
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 2 3 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 10 12 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 2 3 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.
Save Preparing this dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
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 per serving
Save This one pot creamy spinach and turkey pasta is delicious and perfect for a cozy holiday dinner.
Common Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Yes, leftover roast chicken works well as a swap and maintains a similar texture and flavor.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce nicely and cook evenly in one pot.
- → How do I achieve the creamy texture?
The creamy texture comes from combining heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and milk stirred into the cooked pasta and turkey.
- → Can I add heat or spice?
A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added during cooking for a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- → Is it necessary to cook the spinach before adding?
Spinach is added toward the end and cooked briefly just until wilted to retain its bright color and fresh flavor.