The Easiest One-Pan Turkey & Spinach Baked Ziti
A rich, comforting, and high-protein pasta bake made entirely in a single skillet in just 25 to 35 minutes!This easy, family-friendly dinner simmers dry penne or ziti directly in a low-sugar marinara sauce with lean ground turkey and fresh baby spinach, finished with a gooey, bubbly layer of melted mozzarella cheese.
Equipment
- 1 12-inch Deep Skillet oven-safe / with a tight-fitting lid
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Safe Silicone Spatula
- Measuring cup and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey 93% lean preferred
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt plus a pinch of black pepper to taste
- 24 ounce Jar Low-Sugar Tomato Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup Water or Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth use 1 1/2 cups if using whole wheat pasta
- 8 ounces Dry Ziti or Penne Pasta regular or whole wheat
- 2 giant handfuls Fresh Baby Spinach pre-washed
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the avocado oil in a large, deep oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your wooden spoon. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains.
- The Simmer: Turn the heat down to medium. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce and your water or vegetable broth directly into the skillet with the cooked turkey. Stir well, then add the dry, uncooked pasta shapes. Push the pasta down with your spoon so it is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and let it simmer over medium-low heat. If using standard pasta, cook for 12 to 14 minutes. If using whole wheat penne, cook for 22 to 24 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the rich tomato flavor. (Tip: Add in an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth if the sauce thickens up too much before whole wheat noodles soften!)
- Fold in the Greens: Turn off the heat completely. Remove the lid and add the fresh baby spinach straight into the hot pasta. Stir gently for 60 seconds, or a bit longer—the ambient heat will wilt the spinach into the sauce with no extra cooking required!
- The Gooey Melt: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover with the lid for 2 more minutes until the cheese is completely melted. (Optional: Place the skillet under your oven's broiler for 2 minutes for a golden-brown, crispy cheese crust!)