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 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 cups spinach
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon 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.
Chelsea Coretti says
This is such a staple meal for us. It’s so quick + easy. I got home twenty minutes and was able to whip this up already! Highly recommend.
Maddie says
JORDO DOES IT AGAIN!!! I made this for dinner last night & my husband (who’s not a huge pasta guy) loved it! It’s packed with veggies (added some extra spinach), and is perfectly seasoned, while still feeling light since there’s no sauce. So good! Can’t wait for leftovers!
Elissa says
I made this for lunch today, I only had hot diced tomatoes and green chiles so I omitted the red pepper flakes. Also I added a dash of cream because I thought it would be a good addition. Very good!!
Taylor Pamperin says
This is one of my favorite recipes!!! Let’s be honest, I either meal prep these recipes for work or eat them for dinner with the hubby! I actually made your Buffalo chicken pasta for my 12 hours day shifts as an RN, and I came home tonight and while I was working out my hubby made this turkey pasta primavera!! It’s so dang easy but yet tastes like a gourmet meal 🙂
We’ll be making this forever! The spice is perfect if you like a spicy dish, but not overwhelming heat. Ugh, so good and SO much protein!!! Cannot recommend this dish more!
Alli says
This was so delicious! The perfect balance of healthy and hearty. I even made it for my picky in-laws in efforts to get them on a healthier track and they loved it! Well done as usual, Jordan!
Katie H says
This is a huge hit in our house!!! I was never a fan of tomatoes but honestly the tomato/green chilis can I found at the store made it delicious since they were cut up in tiny pieces. My boyfriend was surprised and thrilled that I enjoyed it! Thanks for making healthy taste so good 🙂
Anne says
Even my husband who isn’t a big fan of one pot dishes loved this one and wants to make again!!
Erika says
Made this for the first time and it was sooooo good. So easy and quick to make. Can’t wait to eat for lunch this week.
Joanna McBee says
This one is super tasty and pretty easy to make as well!
Maddie says
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!
Peggy says
So easy to make and delicious!
haley says
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 says
oh also, i didn’t have parmesan cheese, so i used cottage cheese instead…super delicious!!
Annie says
SO good and so easy!
Christina says
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!!
Jennifer Callaway says
An all time favorite of mine. I come back to this recipe again and again!