Print

Tuscan Turkey and White Bean Skillet Recipe

4.7 from 85 reviews

Tuscan Turkey and White Bean Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal packed with ground turkey, creamy white beans, and nutritious kale. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a touch of cream and Parmesan, this dish combines rustic Italian flavors with wholesome ingredients for a comforting dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 lb. ground turkey (or ground chicken, sausage, lean ground beef, or meatless grounds)
  • 1 cup minced shallots (or yellow onion)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 packed cups chopped kale, stems and ribs removed

Seasonings & Spices

  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. fennel seeds
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (depending on desired level of spice)
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper

Canned & Liquid Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 (15-oz.) can butter beans (or any white bean, such as cannellini beans) (do not drain)

Dairy

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

To Serve

  • Crusty bread (such as sourdough or baguette)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of minced shallots (or yellow onion) and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute to develop the flavors.
  2. Cook Turkey: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the pan. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, spread the meat evenly to the edges in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed until the bottom is browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then stir and break the meat into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Create a well in the center of the pan and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your desired heat level. Cook for about 1 minute until the tomato paste begins to caramelize, then stir to incorporate the spices throughout the meat. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper.
  4. Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in 3/4 cup vegetable broth, 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, 1 (15-ounce) can of butter beans (or your choice of white beans, undrained), and add 4 packed cups of chopped kale with stems and ribs removed. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, letting flavors meld and kale soften.
  6. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering uncovered for about 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  7. Serve: Ladle the Tuscan Turkey and White Bean Skillet into bowls, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve with crusty bread such as sourdough or baguette for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, sausage, lean ground beef, or meatless grounds depending on your preference.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance or omit for a milder dish.
  • Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky depth, but regular diced tomatoes can be used as well.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit completely.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or for a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Tuscan turkey skillet, white bean turkey recipe, ground turkey dinner, creamy kale and beans, one-pan Italian skillet