Pin It 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 favorite in our house because of how simple it is yet so delicious and festive.
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.
Pin It This recipe brings our family together every holiday season, creating warm memories around the dinner table.
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
Pin It This creamy spinach and turkey pasta is sure to become a beloved staple for your holiday celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute leftover chicken for turkey?
Yes, leftover roast chicken works well and provides a similar texture and flavor in this dish.
- → What pasta types are best for this dish?
Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce nicely and cook evenly in a one-pot method.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Keep an eye on the liquid level during simmering and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and smooth sauce consistency.
- → Can I add spice to this pasta?
A pinch of red pepper flakes added during cooking will introduce gentle heat without overpowering the flavors.
- → Is it possible to use a lighter dairy option?
Yes, substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream will yield a lighter sauce with slightly less richness.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve creaminess.