Creamy Spinach Turkey Pasta

Featured in: Dinner Winners

This one-pot dish layers tender turkey breast with fresh baby spinach and short pasta, simmered in a savory broth accented by garlic, onion, and warm herbs. Finished with a creamy blend of heavy cream and Parmesan, it offers a rich texture without complicated steps. Ideal for festive or weeknight meals, it combines ease with comforting flavors, while optional garnishes like fresh parsley add brightness. Simple prep and minimal cleanup make it a favorite for busy kitchens looking to serve hearty, satisfying dishes.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:08:00 GMT
One-Pot Creamy Spinach & Turkey Christmas Pasta, a perfect holiday comfort food, ready to eat. Save
One-Pot Creamy Spinach & Turkey Christmas Pasta, a perfect holiday comfort food, ready to eat. | tastybattle.com

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 dish became a holiday favorite after I served it to my family—they loved how simple and delicious it was.

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 2–3 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 10–12 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 2–3 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.
Golden, creamy One-Pot Creamy Spinach & Turkey Christmas Pasta with fluffy turkey and fresh green spinach. Save
Golden, creamy One-Pot Creamy Spinach & Turkey Christmas Pasta with fluffy turkey and fresh green spinach. | tastybattle.com

This recipe brings our family together every Christmas, creating wonderful memories around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, Wooden spoon, Measuring cups and spoons, Chef’s 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 (per serving)

Calories: 545, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 36 g

Rich and savory One-Pot Creamy Spinach & Turkey Christmas Pasta, a taste of Christmas in every bite, easy to make. Save
Rich and savory One-Pot Creamy Spinach & Turkey Christmas Pasta, a taste of Christmas in every bite, easy to make. | tastybattle.com

This creamy spinach and turkey pasta is perfect for festive occasions or cozy family dinners.

Creamy Spinach Turkey Pasta

Tender turkey and spinach meld with creamy sauce in a simple one-pot pasta dish for cozy meals.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications None specified

Components

Poultry

01 12 oz cooked turkey breast, shredded or chopped

Vegetables

01 5 oz fresh baby spinach
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

01 10 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)

Dairy

01 ½ cup heavy cream
02 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Liquids

01 3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
02 ½ cup milk

Seasonings

01 ½ tsp dried thyme
02 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

01 Extra Parmesan cheese
02 Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Phase 02

Cook garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Simmer pasta mixture: Incorporate pasta, chicken or turkey broth, milk, dried thyme, and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

Phase 04

Add turkey and spinach: Stir in cooked turkey and fresh spinach, cooking uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts and turkey is heated through.

Phase 05

Finish with cream and cheese: Lower heat and add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Phase 06

Serve and garnish: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Necessary tools

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and gluten. Parmesan may contain animal rennet; choose a vegetarian alternative if necessary.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 545
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 36 g