Turkey Greens Skillet Pasta a Comfort Food Champion
Recipe: Turkey and Greens Skillet Pasta - Your Next Weeknight Hero!
Ever stare at leftover roast turkey, thinking, "There must be more to life than another sandwich?" Me too! That's how this Recipe: Turkey and Greens Skillet Pasta was born.
It's a flavor bomb of comfort and goodness. This dish is a game changer.
From Thanksgiving Leftovers to Dinner Table Triumph
This dish isn't just tasty. It uses leftover turkey, turning it into something special. It is inspired from a lot of turkey pasta recipes , and adding the greens is my twist.
Think of this as your new go-to one-pan turkey pasta .
It is super easy. We're talking dead easy. Ready in about 30 minutes, even for a kitchen newbie. The turkey and vegetable skillet yields four generous portions.
Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Goodness in a Skillet: Why You'll Love This
Honestly, the best part is how healthy it feels . Packed with protein from the turkey, and those glorious greens! Plus, who doesn't love a bowl of comfort food turkey pasta after a long day? This is your easy weeknight dinner turkey solution.
Ready to dive in? Let's gather our ingredients. We will create some super chard pasta . The next paragraph is all about what you will need for this quick turkey skillet recipe , but you can also make this a turkey pasta with cream sauce
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Turkey & Greens Masterpiece
Alright, so you're ready to dive into this Recipe: Turkey and Greens Skillet deal? Let's talk grub and gear. It's super easy, honestly! This skillet pasta is a winner! It is the best way to use leftover turkey recipes .
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
Here's what you'll need to whip up this magical turkey pasta . Don't stress too much about exactness, it's all about eyeballing it too.
- Pasta : 1 pound (450g) of your fave shape. Penne and rotini work wonders.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . For shimmering goodness.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup or 150g .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Roughly 2 teaspoons or 6g .
- Cooked Turkey: 4 cups (approx. 400g) , chopped. Leftover roast turkey? Even better!. This Easy weeknight dinner turkey is perfect for that!
- Chopped Greens: 6 cups (approx. 170g) . Kale, spinach, chard pasta , or a mix!
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Veggie broth works too!
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Half and-half is fine too! It makes a delicious Turkey pasta with cream sauce .
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , grated. Plus extra for serving!
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Zippy!
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). To taste.
For the turkey , aim for moist, not dry. Dry turkey is a real bummer. Use turkey and vegetable skillet for optimum results.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Garlic and onion are the base. They make everything better, right? For a bit of warmth, try a pinch of dried oregano or thyme.
If you're feeling fancy, a bay leaf simmered in the sauce adds depth. Smoked paprika gives it a smoky flavour.
Quick turkey skillet recipe means quick decisions. Out of oregano? Italian seasoning works a treat! It is the ultimate comfort food turkey pasta .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You really only need a few basics for this One-pan turkey pasta :
- A big pot for the pasta.
- A large skillet . It could be for cooking everything else in.
- A colander to drain your pasta.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A wooden spoon or spatula to stir.
No skillet? A big frying pan will do in a pinch. No fancy measuring spoons? Eyeballing it works just fine too. Don't overthink it. You got this!
Cooking Method
Let's talk about how to nail this Recipe: Turkey and Greens Skillet Pasta ! This isn't some fancy restaurant ordeal.
Honestly, it's proper comfort food turkey pasta that's quicker than ordering a takeaway. We're turning leftover turkey recipes into something amazing .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!
Before we even think about firing up the hob, let's get organised. It's called mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place.
" Chop your onion, mince that garlic, and get your greens washed. Having everything ready saves so much stress! Remember, dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones.
Give those knives a good sharpen! It will save you time later.
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!
- Cook the pasta: Get that pasta boiling in salted water. Follow the packet instructions. Al dente is the name of the game!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes . Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute . The skillet pasta is starting right here!
- Turkey and Greens Time: Add 4 cups of chopped turkey and 6 cups of chopped greens. Cook until the greens are wilted. About 3- 5 minutes.
- Sauce it up: Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of cream. Bring it to a simmer for 2- 3 minutes , until the sauce thickens a little.
- Pasta Party: Stir in your cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust! This is one-pan turkey pasta , but you're the boss, season it perfectly!.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Skillet Game
Don't chuck out that pasta water! Save some to loosen up the sauce if it gets too thick. It's a pro move.
If you are looking to do a Turkey pasta with cream sauce , use cream cheese for a thicker consistency.
Adding more parmesan will make it more intense, so be cautious. To have this easy weeknight dinner turkey faster, use pre-cooked pasta pouches.
Want to get ahead? You can chop the veggies earlier in the day. However, you can not do much more ahead! A quick turkey skillet recipe is exactly that!
Recipe Notes for Your Turkey & Greens Skillet Pasta Adventure!
Right, so you're ready to whip up this comfort food turkey pasta . Awesome! Just a few little snippets before you get started.
These are based on my own kitchen escapades, and honestly, they might just save you from a potential culinary disaster.
Serving It Up: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, presentation matters! Plating can make all the difference. I like to swirl the turkey pasta with cream sauce into a bowl, then sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.
A sprig of parsley? Why not! Serve with a simple side salad something light like a lemon vinaigrette. If you are looking for options, how about chard pasta ? It pairs beautifully.
A nice glass of Pinot Grigio also works a treat! Honestly, you can't go wrong with garlic bread either.
Storing Like a Superstar
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This one-pan turkey pasta is still banging the next day.
- Fridge: Pop it in an airtight container. It’ll be good for up to 3 days .
- Freezer: Yep, you can freeze it! But the pasta might get a bit softer. Freeze for up to 2 months . When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Microwave is fine but my trick is to gently reheat in a pan with a splash of water or broth. Keeps it nice and saucy.
Remixing It: Variations to Try
Honestly, this recipe is super flexible. Got dietary needs? No worries!
- dairy-free : Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Seasonal Swaps : Swap spinach for kale in winter, or use asparagus in spring.
Nutrition 101
This turkey and vegetable skillet is packed with protein and vitamins. Roughly, you are looking at 550-650 calories per serving.
It is got good protein thanks to the turkey. The greens give you a lovely vitamin boost, and the parmesan adds calcium.
Of course, this is just an estimate, so don't take it as gospel. Enjoy your Recipe: Turkey and Greens Skillet Pasta !
Give it a go, and don't be afraid to tweak it! Get in the kitchen and make something you'll love. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Recipe: Turkey and Greens Skillet?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, and farfalle are recommended, feel free to experiment. Any short pasta shape like rigatoni or even elbow macaroni will work a treat. Just ensure you cook it 'al dente' a little bit firm to the bite to prevent it from becoming mushy in the skillet.
What's the best way to store leftover Turkey and Greens Skillet Pasta?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle reheat on the stovetop will do the trick like bringing a cup of tea back up to temp!
I don't have any leftover turkey. Can I substitute something else in this Turkey and Greens Skillet Pasta recipe?
Of course! Shredded chicken is a brilliant substitute for turkey in this recipe. You could also use cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. It's all about making it your own, innit?
What kind of greens work best for this Turkey and Greens Skillet recipe, and how can I prep them?
Kale, spinach, and chard all work beautifully in this skillet dish. For kale or chard, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves before adding them to the pan. Spinach is more delicate and can be added whole or roughly chopped.
Remember, if you're using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out the excess water before adding it.
Can I make this Turkey and Greens Skillet recipe healthier?
Definitely! To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta, which has more fiber. Swap the heavy cream for a lighter option like half and-half or even Greek yogurt (add it off the heat to prevent curdling). And load up on the greens! The more, the merrier, and the more nutrients you'll get.
You could also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower fat cheese option.
My sauce is too thick/thin, what do I do?
Aha, the Goldilocks syndrome! If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in a little more grated Parmesan cheese, which will help to bind the sauce together.
Like Mary Poppins said "Practically perfect in every way!".
Turkey Greens Skillet Pasta A Comfort Food Champ
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 50-60g |
