Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet has become my absolute go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I whipped this up – the aroma of garlic and Italian herbs filled my kitchen, and my family practically ran to the table! It’s truly an easy ground turkey tortellini recipe that delivers on comfort and flavor without any fuss. This hearty, cheesy dish is perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious skillet ground turkey tortellini dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet
This dish is a weeknight superhero, and I’m so excited for you to try it! Here’s why it’s a winner in my house:
- Incredible flavor: It’s packed with savory ground turkey, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s pure comfort.
- Lightning-fast prep: Seriously, you can get this on the table in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- One-pan wonder: That’s right, less cleanup means more relaxation time for you! This one-pan ground turkey tortellini saves so much time.
- Family-approved: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this hearty and delicious meal.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Healthy-ish: It’s a balanced meal with protein from the turkey and a good serving of veggies, making this a great one-pan ground turkey tortellini option.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
Ingredients for Creamy Ground Turkey Tortellini Pasta
Gathering your ingredients is the first easy step to making this delicious ground turkey tortellini skillet with tomatoes. I love that most of these are pantry staples! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey – This provides a lean protein base for the dish.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – For sautéing our aromatics and turkey.
- 1.5 tbsp minced garlic – Garlic is essential for that savory Italian flavor.
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for depth.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – This adds a concentrated tomato flavor and richness.
- 1 tsp salt – To enhance all the other flavors.
- 24 oz tomato sauce – The base of our flavorful sauce.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth – Adds liquid for simmering and helps cook the tortellini.
- 24 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini – The star! Choose your favorite kind.
- 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream – This makes the sauce wonderfully creamy and decadent.
- 1-2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped – For a healthy dose of greens that wilts right in.
- 1 cup mozzarella or Parmesan cheese – For that irresistible cheesy topping.
How to Make Quick Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet
Get ready for the easiest dinner you’ll make all week! Seriously, this quick ground turkey tortellini skillet comes together so fast, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
- Step 1: Grab a large skillet and add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb extra lean ground turkey to the hot skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. The sizzle and savory smell are the first signs of deliciousness!
- Step 3: Once the turkey is cooked through, toss in 1.5 tbsp minced garlic, 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tsp salt. Stir everything around for about a minute until the tomato paste coats the turkey and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 24 oz tomato sauce and 1.5 cups chicken broth. Stir it all up, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat up slightly and let the sauce come to a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Now for the fun part! Add 24 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to make sure the tortellini is submerged in the sauce. This is where the magic of a ground turkey tortellini skillet with spinach starts to happen.
- Step 6: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes. This allows the tortellini to cook perfectly in the rich sauce.
- Step 7: Remove the cover and give it another stir. Check the tortellini – it should be tender. If it’s still a little firm, cook for another minute or two.
- Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream until it’s beautifully incorporated into the sauce, making it wonderfully creamy.
- Step 9: Add 1-2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped. Gently stir it into the hot pasta mixture; the residual heat will wilt it down perfectly, adding a lovely fresh element to your ground turkey tortellini skillet with spinach.
- Step 10: Turn off the heat completely. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious blanket.
- Step 11: Uncover, give it one final gentle stir, and serve immediately. Enjoy your easy, flavorful ground turkey tortellini skillet with spinach!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and these little tricks really elevate it. Trust me, these tips will make your ground turkey tortellini skillet absolutely sing!
- Don’t skip browning the tomato paste: Cooking the tomato paste for a minute with the garlic and seasonings deepens its flavor and removes any raw taste.
- Cook tortellini al dente: Since the tortellini finishes cooking in the sauce, pull it off the heat just before it’s perfectly tender to avoid mushiness.
- Add cream off the heat: Stirring in the heavy cream after you’ve turned off the burner ensures it stays creamy and doesn’t curdle.
- Adjust liquid as needed: If your sauce seems too thick before the tortellini is cooked, simply add a splash more chicken broth.
What’s the secret to perfect Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet?
The real secret to a perfect cheesy ground turkey tortellini skillet is not overcooking the tortellini! It finishes cooking in the sauce, so take it off the heat when it’s just tender. Also, browning the tomato paste adds a depth of flavor you won’t believe. For more tips on enhancing flavors, check out this guide on oven-roasted garlic cabbage.
Can I make Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet meal prep ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep this ahead! Cook the turkey and sauce mixture, then store it separately from the tortellini. When you’re ready to eat, combine them, add the tortellini, and cook according to the instructions. This keeps the tortellini from getting mushy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet?
The biggest pitfalls are overcooking the tortellini and making the sauce too thin. To avoid overcooking, check the tortellini for doneness early. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the cream and spinach. For other quick dinner ideas, you might like this creamy Tuscan scallops recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet
This hearty dish is practically a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to really round out the meal. For a truly classic Italian ground turkey tortellini skillet experience, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. The crisp greens offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. You could also serve it with some crusty garlic bread – it’s fantastic for sopping up any extra sauce. Honestly, though, this ground turkey tortellini skillet dinner is so satisfying, you might just want to enjoy it all on its own!
Nutrition Facts for Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet
This ground turkey tortellini skillet is a hearty and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 654 kcal
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1857 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy meal options, consider trying our healthy honey mustard crusted tilapia.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet
This simple ground turkey tortellini skillet makes fantastic leftovers, which is always a win in my book! Once your delicious skillet meal has cooled down completely, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this dish also freezes beautifully. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet
Can I use different types of tortellini in this Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet recipe?
Absolutely! While this ground turkey tortellini skillet recipe easy calls for cheese tortellini, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Spinach, mushroom, or even a meat-filled tortellini would be delicious. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the filling and thickness of the pasta. For other pasta dishes, you might enjoy our shrimp alfredo recipe.
What other vegetables can I add to my Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet?
This dish is so versatile! Beyond spinach, I love adding diced zucchini, bell peppers (any color!), or even some sautéed mushrooms. For a heartier meal, you could also stir in some cooked broccoli florets or peas at the end. It’s a fantastic way to boost the nutrition of your ground turkey tortellini skillet.
How do I make this a “bake” or casserole-style Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet?
If you prefer a casserole vibe, after melting the cheese on top, you can transfer the whole skillet (if oven-safe) or the contents into a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. This adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your ground turkey tortellini skillet!
Is this a healthy Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet?
It’s a pretty balanced meal! Using lean ground turkey and adding spinach makes it healthier. You can also control the sodium by choosing low-sodium tomato sauce and broth. For an even more healthy ground turkey tortellini skillet, you could reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat cream alternative, though it might affect the creaminess. If you’re looking for other healthy options, consider our lemon zucchini bread.
Variations of Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet You Can Try
This dish is so adaptable, making it easy to create your perfect meal. I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs, and this ground turkey tortellini skillet is the perfect canvas!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning and garlic for a little heat. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños with the aromatics.
- Veggie Powerhouse: Boost the vegetable content by adding sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or bell peppers in Step 3. For a truly healthy ground turkey tortellini skillet, consider adding kale or extra spinach.
- Creamy Tomato Basil: Swap some of the tomato sauce for a can of diced tomatoes with basil and oregano. A swirl of pesto stirred in with the cream also adds a wonderful fresh flavor.
- Cheesy Bake Style: For a casserole-like twist, after melting the cheese, transfer the skillet contents to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet: 25 Min Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Ground Turkey Tortellini Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner that’s a family-friendly meal full of cheesy, comforting flavor. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 24 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add oil and heat over medium.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up along the way.
- Once turkey is cooked, add the garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste and salt. Stir for just a minute or so, until the tomato paste coats most of the turkey.
- Add the tomato sauce and broth. Stir well and turn heat up just a bit. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- Add the tortellini and stir until mixed well.
- Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove cover and stir. Check pasta for doneness. Tortellini should be tender.
- Once tortellini is cooked, add the cream and stir until it’s mixed well into the rest of the sauce.
- Then, add the spinach and gently stir one more time.
- Turn off the heat, sprinkle the cheese on top of the pasta and cover for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the tomato paste first to bring out its rich flavor.
- Do not overcook the tortellini; pull the pan off the heat as soon as the pasta is tender.
- Customize the veggies by swapping spinach for kale, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 654 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1857 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 137 mg