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.
One of my favorite holiday meals to prepare because it combines hearty turkey with fresh greens in a creamy sauce everyone enjoys.
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 23 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 1012 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 23 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 meal always brings back fond memories of family dinners during the holidays.
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 spinach and turkey pasta makes for a satisfying meal perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe Help
- → Can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Yes, leftover roast chicken works well as a substitute and will maintain a similar texture and flavor.
- → What pasta types work best in this dish?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce and cook evenly in the pot.
- → How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream alternatives and omit Parmesan or replace with a plant-based cheese substitute.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Yes, additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers can complement the flavors and increase nutrition.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
You can assemble ingredients beforehand but best to cook fresh for optimal texture and flavor.