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One Pot Creamy Ground Turkey and Corn Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 26 reviews

A comforting and creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring lean ground turkey, sweet corn, bell peppers, and spinach, all cooked together with Italian seasonings and finished with a luscious creamy sauce made from heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan. This hearty skillet meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein & Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta & Liquids

  • 8 oz dry short pasta (rotini, bow-tie, or macaroni)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Fats & Cheese

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Brown the Turkey: In a large deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Add Seasonings: Add diced bell pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Add Broth, Pasta, and Corn: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the dry pasta and corn kernels, mixing gently to combine all ingredients.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a light boil. Once boiling, stir, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the spinach and grate the Parmesan cheese.
  5. Continue Cooking: Remove the lid, stir well, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Check the pasta for doneness and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes if needed, until tender and most broth is absorbed.
  6. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, freshly grated Parmesan, and chopped spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is warm and creamy.
  7. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, one-pot ground turkey and corn pasta.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce.
  • You can substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta if preferred.
  • Frozen corn should be thawed before use for best texture.
  • If you want to make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and a vegan butter alternative.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat