Description
Get ready to level up pasta night with this velvety pumpkin Alfredo that’s equal parts comfort food and weeknight hero. Ground turkey brings the protein, spinach sneaks in your greens, and that golden-orange sauce? It’s autumn in a bowl. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinner, a cozy date, or treating yourself to something special – no heavy cream guilt included!
Ingredients
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10 oz whole wheat penne (or your favorite pasta)
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1 lb ground turkey (or mushrooms/lentils for veggie option)
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling!)
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¾ cup milk or cream (or unsweetened almond/oat milk)
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
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In skillet, heat oil. Brown turkey (5–7 min). Season with salt & pepper.
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Add garlic; sauté 30 sec. Stir in spinach until wilted (1–2 min).
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Lower heat. Stir in pumpkin, milk, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt & pepper.
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Simmer 3–5 min until thickened. Use pasta water to loosen if needed.
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Toss pasta into the sauce. Stir to coat. Rest 2 min off heat.
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Serve in bowls. Top with Parmesan, black pepper, and herbs.
Notes
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Nutmeg is key – it deepens the pumpkin flavor.
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Warm your bowls for an extra cozy feel.
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Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
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Leftovers? Even better the next day with a splash of broth!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 470 Cal Per Serving
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 34g