One-Pot Turkey and Spinach Tomato Pasta
A quick one-pot pasta combining lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and a lightly spiced tomato sauce that kids will enjoy. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, ground turkey, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey and 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and onion softens.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 8 oz tomato sauce, 3 cups chicken broth, 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Turkey and Spinach Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Turkey and Spinach Tomato Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Turkey and Spinach Tomato Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Turkey and Spinach Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Turkey and Spinach Tomato Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
