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Creamy Cajun Ground Turkey Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean works well; 85% for richer flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (any color works)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (optional but classic with Cajun flavors)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade; adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for deeper flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half; see Alternatives for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (or 1/3 cup if using a saltier brand)
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped (or kale)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (brightens the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
  • Cooked rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice, for serving

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and let it shimmer.
  2. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until lightly browned and mostly cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  4. Layer the spice: Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the turkey and veggies.
  5. Tomato depth: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. This builds a deeper, savory base.
  6. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon, about 3–5 minutes.
  8. Add the cheese: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or Cajun seasoning if needed.
  9. Finish with greens: Fold in spinach and cook until just wilted, 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice for brightness.
  10. Serve: Spoon over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.