Description
This Tuscan Turkey and White Bean Skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner packed with Italian-inspired flavor. Lean ground turkey simmers with creamy white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, kale, and Parmesan for a rich yet balanced meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the hassle. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup minced shallots (or yellow onion)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. ground turkey (or ground chicken, sausage, lean ground beef, or meatless grounds)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 ½ tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. fennel seeds
¼ to ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. cracked black pepper
¾ cup vegetable broth
1 (14.5-oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, not drained
1 (15-oz) can butter beans or cannellini beans, not drained
4 packed cups chopped kale, stems removed
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Crusty bread (sourdough or baguette) for serving
Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots or onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Brown the turkey
Add ground turkey and spread into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until browned on the bottom. Break the turkey into small pieces and stir.
3. Bloom the spices
Create a well in the center of the pan. Add tomato paste, oregano, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste deepens in color. Stir everything together and cook 2 minutes more until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the skillet
Add vegetable broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and kale. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 12 minutes until the kale softens and the flavors meld.
5. Make it creamy
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering uncovered for about 3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
6. Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
Make it dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream.
Swap the greens: Spinach or Swiss chard works well instead of kale.
Boost the protein: Use turkey sausage for extra flavor.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating tip: Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg