Turkey Pasta Primavera

Primavera might mean “spring,” but any time’s a good time to try out this incredible ground turkey pasta dish.

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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:

• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
• Chipotle Lime Turkey Burgers

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!

Print Recipe

5 from 24 votes

Turkey Pasta Primavera

Primavera might mean “spring,” but any time’s a good time to try out this incredible ground turkey pasta dish.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: turkey pasta, veggie pasta

Servings: 6

Calories: 306kcal

Author: Jordan Smith

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.

*To log on MFP search: Jordo’s World Turkey Pasta Primavera

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.4g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 12.4g

Use This Recipe in a Meal Plan