One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta (Printable Version)

Ground turkey, penne, and veggies simmer with Italian herbs in one pan for an easy comforting dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat & Seasonings

01 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
02 - 1.6 pounds ground turkey (7% fat)
03 - 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

05 - 1 medium onion, diced
06 - 2 large celery stalks, diced
07 - 1 large carrot, diced
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids & Flavor Enhancers

09 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce or tamari
11 - 2 1/2 cups chicken or beef stock
12 - 1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounces)

→ Pasta & Greens

13 - 10 ounces dried gluten free penne
14 - 2 cups baby spinach, lightly packed

→ Cheese & Toppings

15 - 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese
16 - Red chili flakes, for serving (optional)
17 - Fresh herbs, for serving (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add ground turkey, Italian herb seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until nearly cooked through and crumbled.
02 - Stir in diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and turkey is fully browned. Pour in balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, then cook for 1 more minute to combine.
03 - Add dried penne, diced tomatoes with their juices, and stock to the skillet. Spread the turkey mixture evenly so the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let simmer for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring once halfway, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
05 - Remove lid and stir in nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese. Turn off heat, fold in spinach, cover skillet again, and allow to sit for 1 minute so greens wilt. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional chili flakes and fresh herbs.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For deeper tomato flavor, add 1 tablespoon tomato paste with vegetables and sauté 2-3 minutes.
02 - Ground beef, chicken, pork, or sausage may be substituted for ground turkey.
03 - Replace balsamic vinegar and soy sauce with 1/2 cup dry red wine if desired, simmering it briefly before adding pasta.
04 - For a cheesy version, add 1/2 cup diced mozzarella or ricotta with the spinach.
05 - Use low sodium stock to better control overall salt content.

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