Primavera might mean “spring,” but any time’s a good time to try out this incredible ground turkey pasta dish.
Turkey pasta primavera
This ground turkey pasta dish brings flavor, color, and goodness to the table any day of the week.
What is turkey pasta primavera?
Pasta Primavera is one of those Italian-esque dishes that isn't actually part of traditional Italian cuisine. Regardless of origin, Pasta Primavera is a dish made with pasta and veggies. Add some turkey, and you've got Turkey Pasta Primavera!
Why is it called pasta primavera?
Primavera is Italian for spring, which seems to be what the name-giver of the recipe associates with fresh vegetables. Makes enough sense!
What is in turkey pasta primavera?
As is the refrain with this post about a ground turkey pasta dish: pasta, veggies, turkey. Here are the specifics:
- Banza Penne Pasta
- extra lean ground turkey
- olive oil (or preferred)
- onion
- bell pepper
- garlic
- spinach
- diced tomatoes and green chiles
- parmesan cheese
- chili powder
- cumin
- salt
- pepper
- crushed red pepper
How to make turkey pasta primavera
- Place a pot of salted water over medium-high heat and bring water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package. Strain and set aside when finished cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to cover the skillet. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
- Add turkey meat and seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, red pepper). Cook for another 7 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease from the skillet.
- Turn the heat to low and add the canned tomatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta noodles and spinach.Let sit for another minute or two until the spinach wilts.
- Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!
- To portion, divide into 6ths; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total food weight (not including dish) by 6.
Is ground turkey healthy?
There is a conception that ground turkey is somehow healthier than ground beef, but this isn't necessarily true.
Nutritionists say that what matters the most when choosing a ground meat for health reasons is the fat content—after that, it's flavor that will make the biggest difference in your choice. That said, ground turkey can certainly be a key part of a healthy nutrition plan!
What is the best way to season ground turkey?
While I think the seasonings I've selected for this recipe work well (of course!) for a ground turkey pasta dish, you can season however you'd like.
For health, the biggest move is to avoid adding an egregiously huge amount of salt.
How long do you need to cook ground turkey?
How long to cook ground turkey depends on what method you use, but the USDA recommends bringing it to 165F for safe consumption.
Is pasta primavera healthy?
As you can imagine—and this is the case for a lot of dishes—the ultimate healthiness of Pasta Primavera (or any ground turkey pasta dish) depends on the choices made in the recipe. For this particular recipe, I try to make moderate choices.
I don't want to deprive the dish of the excellent favor that fats, dairy, and good seasoning can provide. However, I also avoid drowning the thing in oil and butter for the sake of "flavor." I think you'll agree that it turns out pretty well!
How do you store pasta?
Pasta dishes tend to cooperate pretty well in a refrigerated container. This ground turkey pasta recipe is no exception.
How do you reheat pasta?
We put this in the microwave and reheat individual servings with no issues!
Looking for more healthy dinner recipes?
Check out some of these other Jordo's World favorites:
Want the recipe?
If you try this recipe and love it, please rate it and let me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoy this Turkey Pasta Primavera!
Turkey Pasta Primavera
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 8 oz box of Banza Penne Pasta cooked (8 oz dry or 16 oz cooked)
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Place a pot of salted water over medium-high heat and bring water to boil. Cook pasta according to the package. Strain and set aside when finished cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to cover the skillet. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
- Add turkey meat and seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, red pepper). Cook for another 7 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease from the skillet.
- Turn the heat to low and add the canned tomatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pasta noodles and spinach.Let sit for another minute or two until the spinach wilts.
- Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy!
- To portion, divide into 6ths; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total food weight (not including dish) by 6.
Notes
- This recipe is gluten free.
- To make dairy free, omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
Christina
Saturday 19th of November 2022
Absolutely favorite meal, it is now our weekly meal prep meal. Great with pasta or we add cauliflower rice. Great seasonings and spinach give a nice touch!!
Annie
Monday 15th of August 2022
SO good and so easy!
haley
Wednesday 20th of July 2022
absolutely delicious! my two year old gobbled it up (although he picked out the spinach lol) and that’a a win for me! i thought for sure i would have to separate everything for him, but he loved it all mixed together!
haley
Wednesday 20th of July 2022
oh also, i didn’t have parmesan cheese, so i used cottage cheese instead…super delicious!!
Peggy
Tuesday 21st of June 2022
So easy to make and delicious!
Maddie
Sunday 19th of June 2022
Hands down my favorite pasta! Can’t believe how yummy this is- while still being soo light without sauce! Tastes even better the next day!