Cozy Autumn Harvest Turkey Pasta Recipe for Fall Feasting
Cooler evenings and falling leaves signal the perfect moment to whip up this hearty autumn harvest turkey pasta that brings warmth to your dinner table.
Tender chunks of seasoned turkey blend seamlessly with robust seasonal vegetables, creating a comforting meal that captures fall’s essence.
Vibrant roasted butternut squash and crisp sage leaves add delightful texture and depth to every forkful.
Herbs picked fresh from the garden infuse this dish with an earthy, rustic charm that speaks directly to the season’s soul.
Each bite promises a delicious journey through autumn rich, wholesome flavors.
The combination of wholesome ingredients and simple cooking techniques makes this recipe a standout choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Grab your skillet and let this delectable pasta transport you to a cozy autumn evening filled with comfort and satisfaction.
Prep Tools for This Cozy Turkey Pasta Dish
Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting butternut squash evenly.
Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner for easy cleanup and preventing squash from sticking.
Large Skillet: Essential for cooking ground turkey and creating creamy spinach sauce.
Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for cubing butternut squash safely.
Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
Measuring Spoons: For accurately portioning spices and seasonings.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients in skillet.
Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta efficiently.
Cooking Instructions for Autumn Pasta with Turkey
Squash Preparation Preheat the oven and slice butternut squash into rustic cubes. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating a single layer for even roasting.
Turkey Transformation Heat a skillet and introduce ground turkey. Dust with warming spices that bring depth and complexity to the meat. Cook until the turkey develops a beautiful golden color and releases tantalizing aromas.
Creamy Spinach Sauce In a separate pan, gently wilt fresh spinach leaves. Pour in rich cream and allow a quick simmer. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.
Pasta Harmony Cook pasta until perfectly tender. Combine the cooked pasta with the velvety spinach sauce and seasoned turkey. Gently fold the ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
Final Touch Crown the dish with golden roasted squash cubes. Garnish with fragrant thyme leaves and a whisper of black pepper, creating a rustic and inviting autumn meal that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
Tips for Boosting Your Autumn Harvest Flavors
Replace ground turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken, lean ground beef, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
Experiment with goat cheese, blue cheese, or pecorino instead of Parmesan to create unique taste dimensions and add gourmet flair to the dish.
Mix additional roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions to boost nutrition and enhance overall texture and complexity.
Use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or gluten-free pasta to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising delicious flavors.
Serving Up a Hearty Autumn Turkey Pasta Plate
Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair this hearty pasta dish with a warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra fresh thyme or chopped parsley on top to brighten the flavors and add a pop of green color to the dish.
Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, autumnal flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir for a complete dining experience.
Create a Side Salad: Toss a quick mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta and add a fresh, crisp element to the meal.
Storage Plans for Your Autumn Pasta Leftovers
Maximize Meal Enjoyment: Smart Storage Solutions
Refrigerate Leftovers Quickly: Store the completed pasta dish in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze for Future Feasts: Pack portions in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Remains delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store roasted squash, cooked turkey, and pasta separately to maintain optimal texture. Mix components just before serving to keep each ingredient tasting fresh and vibrant.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 570 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for Your Autumn Harvest Turkey Pasta
For Roasting:
Butternut Squash: Vibrant orange vegetable that adds sweet, nutty flavor and beautiful color to the dish, choose firm squash with smooth skin and no blemishes.
Olive Oil: Helps squash caramelize and develop rich roasted notes, opt for extra virgin for best taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances natural squash sweetness and provides balanced seasoning.
For Protein and Spices:
Ground Turkey: Lean protein that creates hearty base, select fresh, high-quality ground meat with moderate fat content.
Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: Adds warm, smoky depth and subtle heat to turkey, choose high-quality spices for maximum flavor impact.
For Creamy Sauce and Greens:
Spinach: Nutrient-packed leafy green that adds vibrant color and earthy taste, select fresh, crisp leaves.
Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture, use full-fat cream for richest results.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty umami notes, select freshly grated for best melting quality.
Fresh Thyme: Provides aromatic herbaceous finish, choose bright green sprigs with strong fragrance.
For Pasta Base:
Pasta: Serves as comforting foundation of the dish, choose medium-sized shape that holds sauce well.
Olive Oil: Helps prevent pasta sticking and adds subtle fruity undertone.
Comforting autumn harvest turkey pasta brings warmth to family dinners with seasonal ingredients. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal combining rich flavors and wholesome nutrition you can savor.
Ingredients
Scale
½ pound (227 grams) ground turkey
8 ounces (226 grams) fusilli pasta
6 ounces (170 grams) spinach
2 cups (473 milliliters) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded, room temperature
1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
3 tbsps olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
¼ tsp salt
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme
Instructions
Roast Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring no overlap. Roast 25-30 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Cook Turkey: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey with smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Crumble and cook until fully browned and reaches 165°F, about 8-10 minutes.
Prepare Spinach Cream: In a separate skillet, sauté spinach leaves until wilted. Pour heavy cream, simmer gently, then reduce heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta: Cook pasta al dente, reserving small amount of cooking water. Mix pasta with spinach cream sauce and seasoned turkey, ensuring even coating.
Plate and Garnish: Transfer pasta to serving plates. Top with roasted butternut squash cubes. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and delicate thyme leaves for an aromatic final touch.
Notes
Roast Squash Perfectly: Spread cubes evenly without overlapping to achieve golden caramelization and prevent steaming.
Turkey Cooking Tip: Use medium heat and continuously break meat into small crumbles to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a small amount of starchy pasta water to help sauce adhere and create a silkier, more cohesive dish.
Cheese Incorporation Technique: Add Parmesan cheese gradually and reduce heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.