Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

Quick Recipe Overview

This Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta is a delicious, easy weeknight dinner that combines lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta in a delightful chicken broth. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll create a creamy dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

This recipe shines with its simplicity and healthiness. Ground turkey is a lean protein that’s lower in fat than traditional meats, making it a smart choice. Plus, it incorporates nutritious spinach, providing plenty of vitamins and minerals. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Before diving into this recipe, gather all your ingredients and kitchen tools. A large skillet will be essential for cooking, and a Microplane or grater will come in handy for zesting the lemon. If you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for gluten-free orzo pasta. Remember, you can easily customize this dish with your favorite leafy greens or herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots (or 1 small onion), minced
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil, split
• 1 lb. ground turkey (or Italian turkey sausage)
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, split
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 12 oz. gluten-free orzo pasta (or regular orzo if not gluten-free)
• 4 packed cups spinach (or leafy greens of choice)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Fresh basil (or herbs of choice)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Mince 6 cloves of garlic and 2 shallots (or 1 small onion). Roughly chop 4 packed cups of fresh spinach (or your choice of greens).
2. Cook the Turkey: Place a large skillet on stovetop and heat to medium-high. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Once heated, add 1 lb. of ground turkey. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the Turkey: Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking apart the turkey until fully cooked. Remove turkey from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Shallots: Add another Tbsp. olive oil to the skillet. Once heated, add the minced garlic and shallots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
5. Brown the Orzo: Add 12 oz. orzo to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will give the pasta a slightly toasted flavor.
6. Cook in Broth: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and another ½ tsp. kosher salt. Stir to combine. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a low boil and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Combine Ingredients: When the orzo is al dente and creamy, reduce heat to low. Add the chopped spinach, cooked turkey, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and the zest of 1 lemon.
8. Finish Cooking: Gently fold to combine everything until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Serve: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish. Top with more grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but feel free to pair it with a side salad or crusty bread. A sprinkle of extra lemon juice or fresh herbs just before serving elevates the flavors.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess. You can also prepare the turkey and vegetable mixture in advance and store it separately, adding the orzo fresh on the day of serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

• If your pasta looks too dry, add a little more chicken broth while cooking.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of low-fat cream or additional cheese at the end.
• Customize with your favorite spices or extra vegetables for added nutrition.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground turkey for chicken or beef if preferred.
• Use different leafy greens like kale or collards instead of spinach for variety.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meat with extra veggies and plant-based protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
   Yes, you can substitute regular pasta. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free orzo and low-sodium chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, but the texture may change upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container.

4. How can I make it spicier?
   Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

5. What can I replace cheese with?
   Nutritional yeast makes a great dairy-free alternative.

Ground Turkey Spinach Pasta

---

• Author: mixturarecipes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and delicious weeknight dinner combining ground turkey, fresh spinach, and orzo pasta in a creamy chicken broth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots (or 1 small onion), minced
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil, split
• 1 lb. ground turkey (or Italian turkey sausage)
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, split
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 12 oz. gluten-free orzo pasta (or regular orzo if not gluten-free)
• 4 packed cups spinach (or leafy greens of choice)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Fresh basil (or herbs of choice)

---

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Mince garlic and shallots, and chop spinach.
2. Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a skillet, add turkey, seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully cooked.
3. Sauté Garlic and Shallots: Add another Tbsp. of olive oil, then sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant.
4. Brown the Orzo: Add orzo to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
5. Cook in Broth: Add chicken broth and another ½ tsp. kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until orzo is al dente.
6. Combine Ingredients: Stir in spinach, cooked turkey, and Parmesan cheese until combined.
7. Finish Cooking: Fold gently until spinach wilts and cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and top with more Parmesan and basil leaves.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: ground turkey pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, family meal, healthy recipe