Pesto Turkey Pasta Skillet
Estimated $4.25 recipe · $2.12 per serving (US / USD)
Creamy green pesto pasta with turkey mince and spinach in one pan.
The recipe
Pesto Turkey Pasta Skillet
Creamy green pesto pasta with turkey mince and spinach in one pan.
Ingredients
- 250g turkey mince
- 180g pasta
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 2 tbsp light cream cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper
Estimated recipe cost
$4.25 for 2 servings · $2.12 per serving
US grocery planning estimate in USD. Includes the amounts used from the listed ingredients, including pantry items. Prices and portion weights vary.
Ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient & price basis | Cost used |
|---|---|
| 250g turkey mincePlanning assumption · $4.50 / 454 g · Uses 250g | $2.48 |
| 180g pastaPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 454 g · Uses 180g | $0.40 |
| 2 tbsp pestoPlanning assumption · $3.00 / 300 g · 1 tbsp ≈ 15g | $0.30 |
| 2 handfuls spinachPlanning assumption · $2.50 / 227 g · Assumes 30 g per item/portion | $0.66 |
| 2 tbsp light cream cheesePlanning assumption · $2.00 / 227 g · 1 tbsp ≈ 15g | $0.26 |
| 1 garlic cloveRetail benchmark · $0.72 / 30 g · Retail reference · Assumes 3 g per item/portion | $0.07 |
| Salt and pepperPlanning assumption · $0.08 / 1 portion · Unspecified amount: assumes 1 portion | $0.08 |
| Estimated total | $4.25 |
Retail references are representative products, not quotes for every variety. Other prices are editorial planning assumptions. Checked 9 October 2026; these are not live prices.
Price bases and quantity assumptions refer to the original recipe. Unspecified quantities use the assumptions shown above. Listed optional ingredients are included. Unlisted sides, extra seasoning, tax, energy and delivery are excluded. Buying full packages will cost more.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 1–2 min less than the packet says (it'll finish in the sauce). Reserve 100ml pasta water before draining.
- Mince the garlic. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the turkey mince and cook, breaking it up, 4–5 min until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Push the mince aside, add the garlic, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spinach by the handful and stir until fully wilted — about 2 min.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the pesto and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and toss well to coat. Cook 1–2 min until the pasta is just al dente and the sauce clings. Serve immediately.
Recipe notes
This is the easiest one to double if you need cheap comfort food for several nights.
Estimated nutrition per serving
671 kcal · 37g protein. Values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions and portions.
Recipe images may be AI-generated illustrations. Nutrition figures are estimates.