Save One-Pot Creamy Spinach & Turkey Christmas Pasta A festive, comforting pasta dish featuring tender turkey, fresh spinach, and a luxuriously creamy sauce—all made in a single pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
This recipe has been a holiday favorite in my family for years and never fails to impress guests with its comforting texture and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 350 g (12 oz) cooked turkey breast, shredded or chopped
- Vegetables: 150 g (5 oz) fresh baby spinach, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- Dairy: 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Liquids: 750 ml (3 cups) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, 120 ml (½ cup) milk
- Seasonings: ½ tsp dried thyme, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Extra Parmesan cheese, Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat Add onion and sauté for 23 minutes until softened
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 3:
- Add the pasta, broth, milk, thyme, and nutmeg Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low Cover and simmer for 1012 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed
- Step 4:
- Stir in the turkey and spinach Cook uncovered for 23 minutes until the spinach wilts and turkey is heated through
- Step 5:
- Lower the heat, add the heavy cream and Parmesan Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired
Save This meal brings the family together around the table especially during festive seasons and creates warm lasting memories
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, Wooden spoon, Measuring cups and spoons, Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan, butter) and gluten (pasta) Parmesan may contain animal rennet use a vegetarian alternative if needed Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 545 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 36 g per serving
Save This cozy dish is perfect for holiday dinners and makes for great leftovers the next day
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute chicken for turkey in this dish?
Yes, leftover roast chicken works well as a substitute and maintains the dish's flavor and texture.
- → What pasta types work best for this meal?
Penne or fusilli are ideal as their shapes hold the creamy sauce nicely during cooking.
- → Is it possible to make a lighter version?
Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce richness while preserving creaminess.
- → How can I add a little heat to this dish?
A pinch of red pepper flakes added during cooking adds gentle warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- → What is the best way to avoid overcooking the pasta?
Simmer the pasta with broth and milk, stirring occasionally, and check for al dente texture before adding remaining ingredients.