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Healthy Clean Eating Pasta with Lean Ground Turkey

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A quick and easy healthy pasta dish featuring lean ground turkey and fresh vegetables, perfect for weight loss and clean eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 medium fresh tomatoes, diced (or 14 oz can diced tomatoes)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add whole wheat pasta and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; cook 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add lean ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and simmer 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
  5. Add baby spinach and cook 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Add drained pasta to skillet and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve pasta topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will soften further when mixed with sauce. Use reserved pasta water to achieve a silky sauce texture. Cook turkey over medium heat and avoid overcrowding pan to prevent steaming. Fresh greens added at the end preserve color and nutrients. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy pasta, lean ground turkey, clean eating, weight loss recipe, whole wheat pasta, quick dinner, low fat, high protein