High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet, that’s the dish that helped me rediscover joy in cooking after going gluten-free.
Ciao, I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef now living in the U.S., and this is GoldenGlutenFree.com, where Italian tradition meets healthy, gluten-free living.
I wasn’t always gluten-free. I trained the old-school way, mastering handmade pasta and rustic pane in the heart of Tuscany. But years of unexplained fatigue led to a diagnosis that changed everything: gluten intolerance. At first, it felt like a culinary heartbreak. How could I keep cooking with passion when I had to give up the staples I’d grown up loving?
I didn’t want to lose the flavors, or the feeling, of home-cooked Italian meals. So I started rebuilding my kitchen from the ground up.
This High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet came out of that journey. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of the kind of comfort I used to find in a bowl of pasta. Now it’s a staple in my weekly rotation and a reader favorite for good reason: it’s ready in under 30 minutes, high in protein, and brimming with flavor.
Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or just want something cozy for a chilly night, this High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet brings the comfort of classic Italian cooking, without the gluten, without compromise.
High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet
Equipment
- large skillet
- spatula
- cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups fresh spinach baby spinach preferred
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- cooked quinoa or brown rice optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cover for 2 minutes to wilt the spinach, then stir to combine everything evenly.
- Turn off heat and sprinkle in Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Stir until melted and creamy. Serve warm over quinoa or brown rice if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for a Hearty and Healthy Skillet
This dish is naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and easy to adapt. Here’s what you’ll need for your High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach preferred)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Optional: cooked quinoa or brown rice for serving
This skillet pairs beautifully with whole grains or low-carb sides, depending on your needs. If you’re building a weight-loss plan, this works great with this Balanced Meal Prep Plan for Women.
How to Make High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet
Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or quick lunches.
1. Start with aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
2. Add the turkey
Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 7–8 minutes, or until fully browned.
3. Add the vegetables
Stir in spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cover the skillet for 2 minutes to wilt the spinach, then stir until evenly combined.
4. Finish with cheese
Turn off the heat and sprinkle in grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Stir until melted and creamy. Serve warm over rice or quinoa.
This Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet is another one-pan dinner worth bookmarking if you enjoy high-protein skillet meals.
Tips for a Successful High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet
- Use lean ground turkey: Look for 93% or 99% lean to keep the fat content low while maintaining protein.
- Season as you go: Taste after each step to balance the flavors. Spinach and tomatoes mellow out spices, so adjust accordingly.
- Add citrus: A squeeze of lemon before serving brightens the dish.
- Turn it into a bowl: Serve over quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice for a full meal.
This meal also fits beautifully into Weight Loss Meal Prep Recipes for a week of clean, satisfying meals.
Easy Variations to Try
Mediterranean Style
Add chopped olives, crumbled feta, and oregano instead of thyme. This twist gives your High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet a fresh, savory lift.
Dairy-Free or Vegan
Swap turkey for lentils or tofu and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. It’s a great way to maintain flavor while meeting your dietary needs. For more ideas, check out this High Protein Vegetarian Meal Prep.
Meal Prep Bowls
Divide into 4 containers with brown rice and roasted vegetables. This High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet holds up beautifully in the fridge for 4 days. For full-week prep, try this One Week Gluten-Free Fat Loss Meal Plan.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
This dish is perfect for batch cooking and works especially well in Chicken Meal Prep Recipes if you’re planning ahead.
Final Thoughts: A True Weeknight Hero
Whether it’s your first time making this or it’s already in your meal prep rotation, this High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet is everything a busy home cook could want, fast, wholesome, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
From my gluten-free Tuscan kitchen to yours, I hope it becomes a recipe you rely on again and again. Buon appetito!
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before adding to avoid excess liquid.
Can I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne when browning the turkey for heat.
What can I serve it with?
Brown rice, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or cauliflower mash all pair well.
How much protein is in this dish?
A single serving of this High Protein Turkey & Spinach Skillet offers about 35g of protein, depending on your portion.