Baked Turkey with Spinach Alfredo Pasta
Creamy Spinach Alfredo Turkey Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Season with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted.
Combine the cooked pasta, turkey mixture, and Alfredo sauce in a large bowl. Mix well.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 6 servings