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.
This dish quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because of its simplicity and flavor.
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.
Save This recipe has made Christmas dinners more joyful and less stressful for my entire family.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 545, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 36 g per serving
Save Enjoy this comforting pasta that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknights.
Recipe Help
- → Can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Yes, leftover roast chicken can be used in place of turkey for a similar flavor and texture.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk reduces richness without sacrificing creaminess.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh spinach?
Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly, blending seamlessly in the sauce, but frozen spinach can be a substitute if well drained.
- → Can I add spices for extra heat?
A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added during cooking to introduce a gentle spicy kick.
- → What tools are essential for preparing this dish?
A large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, and a chef's knife with cutting board are recommended.