Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta with Butternut Squash and Spinach
Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta with Butternut Squash and Spinach is a delicious dinner that a whole family will love! If you're looking for the ground turkey recipe, look no further than this tasty, colorful, and vibrant dish!
In a large bowl, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the squash on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in one layer, without overcrowding.
Roast in the preheated oven at 400 F on the middle rack for 30 minutes. Remove from oven.
How to cook ground turkey
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat.
Add ground turkey and sprinkle it with smoked paprika, chili powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook, constantly stirring, for about 10 minutes until the ground turkey is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Tip: Cook the ground turkey while the butternut squash is being roasted.
How to make a creamy sauce
In a separate, large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add spinach over medium heat. Cook, occasionally stirring, for about 5 minutes until spinach starts to wilt.
Add heavy cream to the skillet with cooked spinach. Bring to a brief boil on high heat, then immediately reduce to medium heat (boiling but not intensely). Add shredded Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese should be at room temperature so that it melts properly. Keep stirring the sauce with the Parmesan cheese on medium heat (simmer) for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Remove from heat.
Tip: Make the cream sauce while the butternut squash is being roasted.
Cook Pasta and Assemble
Cook pasta al dente in boiling water according to package instructions. That usually means cooking pasta in boiling water for about 7 to 11 minutes. Drain.
To a large skillet with the creamy spinach sauce, add drained cooked pasta and cooked ground turkey. Stir. Taste and season with salt to taste, about ¼ teaspoon of salt. No salt might be necessary if the ground turkey is salty enough.
Tip: Use your judgment about whether or not to add salt or based on how salty the sauce with ground turkey pasta is.
Top the pasta with roasted butternut squash. Stir the squash in, or leave it on top.
Sprinkle the pasta with freshly ground black pepper and fresh thyme.