15-Minute Ground Turkey Garlic Noodles (Easy Asian-Inspired Recipe)
These easy 15-minute ground turkey garlic noodles are high-protein, comforting, and made in one skillet! The ultimate fast Asian-inspired weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- 1 Large Pot
- Colaner for draining the pasta
- 1 Small Whisk or Fork
- Measuring cup and spoons
- 1 Large Mixing Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta whole wheat or regular; reserve 3 tbsp hot pasta water before draining
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil or canola oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/3 cup low-sodium tamari
- 1 tbsp pure apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar (or regular sugar)
- 2 cups pre washed baby spinach
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha optional, for serving
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until tender. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the starchy pasta water to save for later, then drain the noodles.
- Whisk the Glaze: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the low-sodium tamari, apple cider vinegar, and coconut/regular sugar in a small measuring cup or bowl until smooth.
- Sear and Season the Turkey: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, immediately sprinkle with garlic powder and onion powder, and brown the meat for 5 to 6 minutes until fully cooked, breaking it into small bits with a spatula.
- Combine and Gloss: Reduce the burner heat to low. Add the drained pasta, baby spinach, and the tamari glaze directly into the skillet with the turkey. Toss gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the starches absorb the glossy glaze - then turn off the heat. (Add in a bit of reserved pasta water if you want a extra silky sauce).
- Serve: Portion into bowls and top with red pepper flakes or sriracha if you want an extra spicy kick!
Notes
Pasta Choice: Whole wheat angel hair pasta is my personal favorite for this dish because it cooks in just 3 to 4 minutes and absorbs the glaze instantly. Standard white spaghetti or regular flour noodles work wonderfully too—just follow the package cooking directions!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a bit of water to keep the noodles glossy.
Protein Swap: Ground beef or ground chicken can be swapped 1:1 for the ground turkey without changing any cooking times.