If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that’s hearty without feeling too heavy, this Tuscan turkey and white bean skillet is a great one to try. It’s packed with savory ground turkey, creamy white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, tender kale, and plenty of garlic and herbs. A little cream and Parmesan bring everything together into a rich, flavorful skillet that’s perfect for spooning over a thick slice of crusty bread.
And since it all comes together in one pan, cleanup is just as easy as dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup minced shallots or yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-oz.) can butter beans or your favorite white beans, undrained
- 4 packed cups chopped kale, stems and ribs removed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Crusty bread, such as sourdough or a baguette, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots or onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent. Next, add the garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much, since you’ll want that fresh garlic flavor to come through.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to spread the turkey into an even layer, pushing some of it toward the edges of the pan. Then, let the turkey cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. This gives it a chance to develop a nice golden brown crust on the bottom. After that, stir the turkey and break it into smaller pieces as it continues cooking. Keep going until the turkey is cooked through.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Now that the turkey is browned, it’s time to layer in even more flavor. Make a small well in the center of the skillet, then add the tomato paste, oregano, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture cook for about 1 minute. Meanwhile, the tomato paste will begin to caramelize, which adds a deeper, richer flavor to the dish. Stir everything together with the turkey and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to become nice and fragrant. Finally, season with the salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Kale
Next, pour the vegetable broth into the skillet. Then, add the fire-roasted tomatoes, white beans, and chopped kale. Stir everything together until well combined. After that, increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
Once the mixture begins to simmer, reduce the heat as needed and let it cook uncovered for about 12 minutes. During this time, the kale will soften, the beans will warm through, and all those savory flavors will have a chance to come together. Give everything a stir occasionally so the ingredients cook evenly.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
After the skillet has simmered, it’s time to make it wonderfully creamy. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then continue simmering uncovered for about 3 minutes. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken and become rich and creamy, coating the turkey, beans, and vegetables. Before turning off the heat, give it a quick taste. If needed, add a little more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes until the flavors are just right.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Finally, spoon the creamy turkey and white bean mixture into bowls. Sprinkle each serving with a little extra Parmesan cheese for an added savory finish. For the best experience, serve it with plenty of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
And there you have it! This is the kind of dinner that makes you want to grab a warm piece of bread, get comfortable, and dig right in. It’s cozy, hearty, flavorful, and, best of all, easy enough to make any night of the week.
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