Quick & Cozy Autumn Harvest Turkey Pasta Recipe for Family Joy

Turkey pasta represents a hearty culinary celebration of seasonal bounty and comforting flavors.

Crisp autumn winds whisper promises of warm, satisfying meals that nourish both body and soul.

Robust ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures and aromas that capture the essence of fall’s generous spirit.

Wholesome and inviting, this recipe upgrades simple components into a memorable dining experience that connects you with traditional home cooking.

Rich, savory notes blend seamlessly with tender pasta, promising a delightful journey through classic comfort food.

The combination of lean protein and carefully selected seasonings elevates this dish beyond an ordinary meal into a true gastronomic delight.

Your taste buds will thank you for embarking on this delectable autumn adventure.

Why Autumn Harvest Turkey Pasta Is the Perfect Cold-Weather Dinner

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: This hearty pasta dish celebrates autumn's bounty with roasted butternut squash and warming spices that hug your taste buds like a cozy sweater.
• Quick and Nutritious Powerhouse: Packed with lean turkey protein, nutrient-rich spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce, this one-pan meal delivers delicious nutrition in under 45 minutes.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Smoked paprika and chili powder transform ground turkey into a deeply seasoned base, while roasted butternut squash adds sweet caramelized notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, this recipe combines restaurant-quality flavors with simple home cooking techniques that make you feel like a professional chef.

Ingredients That Make This Turkey Pasta a Seasonal Favorite

Main Ingredients:

Pasta: The core of the dish, providing a hearty base for the flavorful toppings, choose a medium-sized pasta like penne or rigatoni for best sauce retention.

Ground Turkey: Lean protein that adds richness and substance to the meal, select fresh ground turkey with a balanced fat content for optimal flavor.

Butternut Squash: Seasonal vegetable that brings sweetness and autumn character, pick a firm squash with smooth, even coloring for best roasting results.

Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutritional value and vibrant color, select crisp, dark green leaves without wilting.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce that binds ingredients together, opt for full-fat cream for richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, choose freshly grated for best melting.

• Olive Oil: Essential for roasting and sautéing, providing richness and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: Adds depth and warmth to the ground turkey.
• Fresh Thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the autumn theme.

Instructions for a Rich and Hearty Fall Turkey Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Butternut Squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F and chop the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes.

Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Spread the cubes out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Roast for 30 minutes or until golden and tender, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook Seasoned Ground Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey.

Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.

Cook for about 10 minutes, breaking the turkey into small, crumbly pieces.

Make sure the meat is cooked through and lightly browned.

Step 3: Create Creamy Spinach Sauce

In a separate skillet, heat olive oil and add fresh spinach leaves.

Cook until the spinach wilts completely and becomes tender.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.

Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente and drain thoroughly.

Toss the pasta into the creamy spinach sauce and stir in the cooked ground turkey.

Top with roasted butternut squash and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot for a comforting autumn meal.

Tips to Keep the Turkey Tender and Pasta Creamy

• Perfectly Roast Squash: Ensure butternut squash cubes are similar in size for even cooking, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Maximize Turkey Flavor: Use a cast-iron skillet for browning ground turkey to develop deeper, richer caramelized notes and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Control Cream Sauce Consistency: Stir Parmesan cheese slowly and gently to prevent sauce from breaking and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Chop fresh thyme just before sprinkling to release maximum aromatic oils and ensure vibrant flavor throughout the dish.
• Pasta Timing is Key: Cook pasta precisely al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, preventing potential mushiness in the final presentation.

How to Store and Enjoy Leftovers of Turkey Pasta the Next Day

• Storing Leftovers: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, this dish maintains its delicious flavor for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating Method: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezing Option: Freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor of the roasted squash and turkey.

Perfect Pairings for Your Autumn Harvest Pasta

• Sip Savory Syrah: Pair this hearty autumn pasta with a robust Syrah wine that complements the smoky turkey and roasted butternut squash, its peppery notes dancing perfectly with the dish's warm spices.
• Cheese Companion Crunch: Serve alongside crispy parmesan crostini or aged gouda crackers to add textural contrast and enhance the creamy pasta's richness while providing a delightful crunch.
• Bright Herbal Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creaminess, introducing a zesty, peppery element that balances the warm, comforting flavors.
• Apple Cider Delight: Enjoy a chilled glass of spiced apple cider to echo the autumn harvest theme, its subtle sweetness and warm spices harmonizing beautifully with the turkey and squash.

Seasonal Twists to Refresh This Turkey-Packed Meal

• Autumn Protein Powerhouse: Swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or plant-based protein crumbles for a different protein profile while maintaining the hearty flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese, incorporating kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired Mediterranean variation.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Introduce diced green chiles, swap chili powder for chipotle powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick that elevates the original recipe's warmth.
• Vegan Harvest Comfort: Use roasted sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, and replace turkey with seasoned lentils or tofu crumbles for a plant-based alternative that preserves the recipe's comforting essence.

Autumn Harvest Turkey Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Autumn Harvest Turkey Pasta brings rustic Italian countryside flavors to your table. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a comforting meal perfect for crisp fall evenings you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Autumn Harvest Turkey Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fusilli pasta
• ½ pound (227 grams) ground turkey
• 6 ounces (170 grams) spinach
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for roasting butternut squash cubes.
2. Drizzle butternut squash cubes with olive oil, then generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Spread seasoned squash evenly across the baking sheet, ensuring pieces do not overlap, and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for cooking ground turkey.
5. Add ground turkey to the skillet, incorporating smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt to enhance flavor profile.
6. Cook turkey thoroughly, breaking into small crumbles, until no pink remains and meat reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 8-10 minutes.
7. In a separate skillet, heat additional olive oil and add fresh spinach leaves, sautéing until completely wilted and vibrant green.
8. Pour heavy cream into the spinach skillet, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat.
9. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
10. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain while reserving a small amount of cooking water.
11. Combine cooked pasta with spinach cream sauce and seasoned ground turkey, gently mixing to ensure even coating.
12. Transfer pasta mixture to serving plates and garnish with roasted butternut squash cubes.
13. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and delicate thyme leaves for an aromatic touch.

Notes

• Roast butternut squash until golden and caramelized for maximum flavor depth and crispy texture.
• Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that absorbs spices beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together seamlessly.
• Fresh thyme adds an aromatic herbaceous note that complements the earthy butternut squash perfectly.
• Smoked paprika and chili powder transform ordinary ground turkey into a richly seasoned protein with subtle heat.
• Al dente pasta ensures the perfect texture and helps sauce cling to each strand effectively.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg