Creamy White Turkey Pasta Skillet 🍝

A comfort food upgrade that transforms the classic "hamburger helper" concept into something rich, creamy, healthy, high protein, and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

The Protein & Vegetables:

• 🦃 1 lb ground turkey
• 🍄 1 cup mixed chopped mushrooms (frozen)
• 🥬 1 cup shredded frozen kale or spinach
• 🧅 1 medium white onion
• 🧄 4 tbsp minced garlic (or 5 fresh cloves)

The Pasta:

• 🍝 1/2 lb medium shells, chickpea shells, or pipe rigate pasta

The Creamy Base:

• 🥛 1 cup half and half or milk
• 🧈 2 tbsp butter
• 🍗 2 tbsp chicken bouillon (plus 1/2 cup more)
• 🫙 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 🧀 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar or smoked gouda
• 🧀 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

The Flavor Builders:

• 🌿 12 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tbsp dried)
• 🌿 Fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
• 🌿 2 tsp oregano (or 1 tbsp dried)
• 🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
• 🌶️ Chili flakes to taste
• 🧂 Salt and pepper
• 🫒 Extra virgin olive oil

Optional Fancy Finish:

• 🧀 Extra grated Parmesan
• 🌿 Fresh thyme sprigs
• 🍄 Shaved black truffles (if you're feeling luxurious)

Instructions

Step 1: Start the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks until fully browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Foundation

Add butter, 1 cup of chicken stock (made with bouillon), and minced garlic to the turkey. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add the frozen mushrooms and kale, stirring until heated through and the greens have cooked down slightly. The vegetables will release some moisture, so keep mixing. Pour in the half and half or milk.

Step 5: Season It Up

Add all your spices - thyme, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken bouillon. Let everything simmer together.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta shells and cook for 7-8 minutes until just tender.

Step 7: Reserve and Drain

Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water and keep it in the hot pasta pot. Drain the pasta and either set aside or add directly to the turkey mixture.

Step 8: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the pot with the reserved pasta water, whisk together the cottage cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, and ground pepper over low-medium heat. Whisk slowly until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 9: Bring It All Together

Pour the cheese sauce into the pan with the turkey and pasta. Mix everything together slowly and gently.

Step 10: Final Simmer

Let the mixture cook down for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, if it seems too watery. The sauce should be creamy and coat everything nicely.

Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, topped with fresh thyme, extra grated Parmesan, and if you're treating yourself, some shaved black truffles.

Tips:

• Don't rush the onions - properly softened onions make a difference
• The pasta water helps create a silky sauce, so don't skip reserving it
• Adjust the consistency by simmering longer if too thin, or adding a splash of pasta water if too thick
• Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference, but dried works in a pinch

This elevated comfort food brings together creamy textures and rich flavors for a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and special.