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 dish quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because it combines simple ingredients with impressive flavor and minimal cleanup.
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 This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, filling the house with warmth and delicious aromas.
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. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories 545 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 36 g per serving.
Save This creamy turkey pasta is a perfect blend of comfort and ease ready in under 40 minutes.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Yes, leftover roast chicken works well as a substitute and provides a similar flavor profile.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce nicely and cook evenly in one pot.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream reduces richness without sacrificing creaminess.
- → Can I add some heat to this dish?
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally during simmering and use enough broth and milk to keep the pasta moist.