Quick Spinach & Turkey Baked Pasta Delight
Satisfy your craving for baked pasta in a fraction of the time with this Quick Spinach & Turkey Baked Pasta Delight. This dish combines wholesome whole wheat pasta, savory ground turkey, and nutritious frozen spinach, all bound together with a rich, savory sauce. The creamy cottage cheese adds a delightful texture, while the layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan adds a gooey finish to each serving. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe maximizes flavor without compromising your schedule. Ready in under 30 minutes, this delicious baked pasta is sure to be a family favorite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat pasta
2 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Fat-free pasta sauce
2 cups
Ground turkey
1/2 lb (browned)
Low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup
Frozen spinach
1 cup (thawed)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Green pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup (divided)
Garlic powder
to taste
Basil
to taste
Oregano
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add minced garlic, chopped green pepper, thawed spinach, cottage cheese, garlic powder, basil, and oregano. Mix well and remove from heat.
4
In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, ground turkey mixture, 1/4 cup of mozzarella, and fat-free pasta sauce. Stir everything well so the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5
Microwave the casserole dish on high for 4-5 minutes to heat through.
6
Remove from the microwave, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, quick baked pasta!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick Spinach & Turkey Baked Pasta Delight?
It is a savory baked pasta dish made with whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, frozen spinach, and a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and cottage cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How long does it take to make this pasta dish?
The entire recipe can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of uncooked whole wheat pasta.
Can I substitute the whole wheat pasta with white pasta?
Yes, you can use regular white pasta, though whole wheat is used for extra fiber and nutrition.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of browned ground turkey.
Can I use a different meat instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or extra-lean ground beef would work well as substitutes.
How should I prepare the spinach?
You should use 1 cup of frozen spinach that has been thawed before adding it to the mix.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should sauté or wilt the fresh spinach first to remove excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
What cheeses are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes low-fat cottage cheese, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and shredded parmesan cheese.
Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese is an excellent alternative if you do not have cottage cheese on hand.
What kind of pasta sauce is used?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of fat-free pasta sauce.
What vegetables are included besides spinach?
The dish includes 1/4 cup of chopped green pepper and a minced garlic clove.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe is seasoned with garlic powder, basil, and oregano to taste.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente before assembling the dish.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Why is the casserole microwaved before baking?
Microwaving for 4-5 minutes heats the internal ingredients quickly, reducing the required oven time.
How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?
Bake the pasta for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I skip the microwave step?
Yes, but you will need to increase the oven baking time to ensure the center is thoroughly heated.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses whole wheat pasta, lean turkey, and low-fat dairy options, making it a balanced meal.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Mushrooms, onions, or zucchini would be great additions to the turkey mixture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this baked pasta be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors of pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese make it a favorite for children.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans like chickpeas.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A light green salad or garlic bread would pair perfectly with this baked pasta.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and keep it refrigerated, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
Does the cheese need to be golden brown?
The recipe suggests baking until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden for the best texture.