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Light and Comforting Weeknight Dinner


  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This recipe offers a perfect balance of comforting flavors and light satisfaction, ideal for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is highly adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy a hearty yet light meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving you feeling satisfied without being overly full.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground chicken
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Start Sauteing: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. This initial step builds the flavor foundation for your dish.

    2. 2. Add the Ground Meat and Garlic: Push the softened onions to one side of the pan. Add the ground turkey or chicken to the other side, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook the meat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    3. 3. Combine the Main Liquid Ingredients: Stir the browned meat and garlic together with the onions. Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes, the rinsed and drained cannellini beans, and the low-sodium chicken broth. These liquids will create the base of your comforting sauce.

    4. 4. Season the Mixture: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is where the dish truly starts to develop its signature flavor.

    5. 5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a rich and satisfying consistency.

    6. 6. Stir in the Fresh Spinach: Remove the lid and stir in the fresh, roughly chopped spinach. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted completely and is tender. The vibrant green of the spinach adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients to the dish.

    7. 7. Taste and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust any seasonings if needed. If you like, serve individual portions topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight from the pan.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: saute
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving

    Keywords: weeknight, comfort food, quick, easy, healthy, turkey, spinach, beans, one-pan