Lighter Fare Turkey Pesto Casserole
Savor the satisfying flavors of comfort food with a nutritious twist in this *Lighter Fare Turkey Pesto Casserole*! Perfect for busy weeknights, this wholesome recipe combines lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and grape tomatoes, and hearty whole-grain penne pasta for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. A creamy blend of basil pesto and low-fat ricotta cheese ties the dish together, while melted mozzarella and a touch of parmesan create the perfect golden topping. Ready in under an hour, this lighter casserole is an excellent make-ahead dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Serve it straight from the oven for a healthy, cheesy, and flavor-packed family meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 small zucchini, diced
- 1.5 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 ounces whole-grain penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish.
Cook the whole-grain penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
Stir in the diced zucchini and halved grape tomatoes. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the basil pesto.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, turkey and vegetable mixture, and low-fat ricotta cheese. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Lighter Fare Turkey Pesto Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3412 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.0 g | 254% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.5 g | 292% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 531 mg | 177% | |
| Sodium | 5716 mg | 249% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 227.4 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.2 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.4 g | ||
| Protein | 207.5 g | 415% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2453 mg | 189% | |
| Iron | 23.8 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 3470 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
