Smart Recipe Kitchen

2026-04-30

This turkey spinach rice skillet is a practical one-pan dinner for nights when you want something filling without a complicated cleanup. Ground turkey stays light, the rice makes it hearty, and the spinach folds in at the end for color and balance. Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up, until mostly browned.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook 30 seconds.
4. Add the rice and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute so the rice is coated.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 17 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
7. Remove the lid, fold in the spinach, and stir until wilted. Finish with parsley and serve.

Why it works: The rice absorbs the seasoned broth and turkey juices, so the skillet tastes fuller than the ingredient list suggests.

Timing: Prep 12 minutes, cook 25 minutes, total about 37 minutes.