Your solution to busy weeknights this gluten-free ground turkey pasta is made in just 20 minutes. Protein-packed and naturally dairy-free this healthy pasta dinner takes the stress out of hectic schedules.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 25 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 4
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 311 kcals and 34 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Gluten-free penne pasta, tomato sauce, and spinach.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, high-protein.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: You still get that cozy, savory tomato-based comfort, but it’s lighter, cleaner, and easier to digest—perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you want real food without heaviness.
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As a busy mom of three, I truly appreciate fast, healthy meals that are high in lean protein.This ground turkey pasta is made with simple pantry ingredients, topped with a jar of tomato sauce, and seasoned lightly. It’s easy, versatile, and a great way to get dinner on the table… FAST.
Totally gluten-free, thanks to a strategic noodle choice. If you're new to eliminating gluten make sure to read beginner tips to a gluten-free diet and learn more about gluten-free flours and tips for gluten-free baking too.
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💭Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy: Made with minimal ingredients, most of which are from your pantry this gluten-free pasta dinner is on the table in about 20 minutes.
- Healthy: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and high in protein.
- Versatile: The base of the ground turkey pasta is super simple but it’s an easy one to add into if you want to customize it.
Ingredients and Substitution
You can peek the ingredients in the image below, most of which you’ll have on hand.
When it comes to choosing gluten-free pasta noodles, I suggest straight quinoa noodles or a quinoa and rice blend. I find that they hold up the best for cooking and don’t get mushy. Quinoa noodles are what I use in my dairy-free sausage pasta recipe, too.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Below are a few ways to adjust the recipe so that it seems like something new each time you make it.
- Seasonings: Add in more of the spices listed or additional ones like fresh basil, cumin, or parsley. Even adding apesto sauce without pine nuts or cheese can be tasty.
- Heat: If you like spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos for a pop of flavor.
- Veggie packed: If you want to stretch the meal further, sauté some peppers or mushrooms with the onions and garlic. Or, add in finely chopped broccoli while simmering.
- Protein: Ground chicken, ground beef, or venison can be used in place of ground beef to switch up the flavor and protein of the pasta- just like in this ground chicken soup. Double the batch when you brown it and mix it into this tomato pasta with spinach the next night, too!
How To Make Gluten-Free Ground Turkey Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until soft then brown the turkey.
Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package directions.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey and tomato sauce into the pot of noodles.
Step 4: Add in the remaining ingredients and simmer for a couple minutes to combine.
Expert Tips To Make It
Adjust the seasonings for the pasta as per your own personal preferences.
The kind of tomato sauce you use will change the flavor of the dinner.
Fresh spinach works best, and we prefer baby spinach. If you’re using frozen spinach, it will need to be thawed and drained/squeezed first so as not to add in extra water.
In place of parmesan, sprinkle on a vegan parm or nutritional yeast when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Either will work for this recipe. Ground turkey tends to be a bit leaner than ground turkey as it has a lower fat intake. This is why it's normally recommended to people trying to lose weigth.
Leftover pasta can be stored once cooled in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stover with a splash of broth or water so that it comes back with a creamy texture. I don't recommend freezing the pasta once made as the quinoa noodles don't thaw well. However, you can store the sauce in the freezer for up to 3 months and let it thaw in the fridge overnight when you need it.
Other Easy Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
If you tried this Gluten-Free Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Gluten-Free Ground Turkey Pasta
Equipment
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Avocado oil
- 1 jar Tomato sauce 650 mL
- 1 pound Ground turkey
- 1 cup Spinach
- 0.5 cup Chopped onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 3 tablespoons Vegan parmesan or Nutritional yeast
- 1.5 cups Gluten-free penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until soft.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Brown the ground turkey with the onions, garlic, and seasonings. Drain any excess grease.
- Add all ingredients together and stir to combine.
- Serve.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby S says
I love that this whips up in 20 minutes, great for sports nights!