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Ground Turkey Pasta

Ground Turkey Pasta

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Get a hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful pasta dinner on the table in about 30 minutes—with only one pan to wash! This creamy ground turkey pasta is a weeknight lifesaver the whole family will love. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with veggies.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 750g (1.6 lbs) lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp Italian herb seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 large celery stalks, diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 10 oz dried gluten-free penne
  • 1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken or beef stock
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (or grated Parmesan cheese)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Brown the Turkey: Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s mostly browned.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Stir and gently scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is a secret flavor booster!
  4. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the dry penne, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and stock. Press the mixture down so the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Stir in the nutritional yeast until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach, place the lid back on for 1 minute to wilt the greens, then give it a final stir. Taste and add salt if needed, then serve right away.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: This dish is a complete meal on its own! It’s also wonderful served with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Tips & Tricks: The balsamic and soy sauce combo is key to a deep, savory flavor—don’t skip it! If your sauce seems a little thin after cooking, just let it simmer with the lid off for a minute or two to thicken up.
  • Storage & Reheating: Leftovers are fantastic! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of stock or water to bring back that creamy consistency.