Healthy Ground Turkey Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (about 3 cups) whole wheat, chickpea, or regular pasta

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale

• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added) or 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (check package time). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 mins. Add ground turkey, breaking it up, and cook until browned (~5-6 mins).

3. Add veggies: Stir in bell pepper and spinach, cooking until softened (~3 mins).

4. Sauce it up: Pour in diced tomatoes (or marinara), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 4-5 mins.

5. Combine: Add cooked pasta and toss well. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles.

6. Serve: Top with Parmesan if desired.

Optional Upgrades:

• Add ½ tsp fennel seeds for a sausage-like flavor.

• Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes at the end for freshness.

• Swap spinach for zucchini or mushrooms if preferred.