This hearty and satisfying Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans is one of those “throw it together in no time” dinners that tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon. Tender gnocchi, lean turkey, fire-roasted tomatoes, creamy white beans, and a bubbly blanket of gooey cheese make this a weeknight wonder you’ll want on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy Comfort in 30 Minutes: This entire meal comes together in half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still crave something home-cooked and nourishing.
- One-Skillet Simplicity: Fewer dishes, bigger flavors! Everything—gnocchi, turkey, beans, and rich sauce—cooks in one pan for ultimate ease.
- Protein-Packed & Naturally Filling: Ground turkey and creamy white beans make this dish extra satisfying and wholesome, so you won’t be left hungry.
- Family-Favorite Flavor: Melty cheese and Italian herbs guarantee that even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from the pillowy gnocchi that soaks up flavor to the fresh basil that gives a final burst of brightness. Simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches combine for a dish with both depth and freshness—no fancy shopping trip required!
- Olive oil: Just a splash is needed to sauté and build a delicious foundation for the skillet.
- Italian seasoned ground turkey: The main protein! Infused with Italian herbs, it’s lean but full of flavor. If you can’t find pre-seasoned, just mix in a little extra dried oregano and basil.
- Dried oregano: Enhances the Italian flavor profile—truly a must-have for that classic taste.
- Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory backbone to the sauce.
- Garlic: Always a flavor-booster, it infuses the whole skillet with irresistible aroma.
- Potato gnocchi: These doughy, tender little dumplings are the star carb—use shelf-stable or refrigerated.
- White beans: Choose cannellini or Great Northern beans for creaminess and a gentle bite.
- Fire roasted garlic tomatoes: The magic ingredient! They give the sauce smoky depth (regular diced tomatoes work in a pinch).
- Baby spinach: Sneaks in a pop of green and wilts beautifully into the sauce.
- Fresh basil: A handful of chopped leaves right at the end takes the flavors over the top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey melt and that beloved cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and umami for a restaurant finish.
- Salt & pepper: Season to taste and make all the other flavors shine.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans is how adaptable it is! Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or simply using what’s on hand, you can easily tailor this skillet to your own tastes and pantry.
- Use Chicken or Sausage: Substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or sliced Italian chicken/turkey sausage for a slightly different protein spin.
- Go Vegetarian: Leave out the turkey altogether and double the beans for a hearty, plant-based version.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in chopped kale, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost the veggie content and color.
- Try a Different Sauce: Swap fire-roasted tomatoes for regular diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes for a saucier finish, or even a bit of tomato passata for extra silkiness.
- Cheese Switch: Not into mozzarella? Try provolone, fontina, or even a dairy-free cheese to suit your preferences.
How to Make Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans
Step 1: Sauté the Onion, Turkey & Aromatics
Start by heating a generous tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and ground turkey. Cook, breaking up the turkey into crumbles until it’s browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in dried oregano and toss in the minced garlic, letting it become fragrant—your kitchen should already be smelling amazing! Transfer the turkey mixture to a strainer to remove excess fat, then set aside for just a few minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Gnocchi
Return the skillet to your stovetop and, if it looks a little dry, add a bit more olive oil. Toss in the gnocchi and sauté for 5–6 minutes. Let them get gorgeously golden on the outside—this extra step adds a wonderful crispy-chewy texture that makes every bite stand out!
Step 3: Combine Turkey, Beans & Tomatoes
Add the browned turkey and onion mixture back into the skillet with the gnocchi. Stir in the white beans, fire roasted tomatoes (with their juices), and the chopped baby spinach. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to mingle. Season generously with salt and pepper at this stage.
Step 4: Finish with Greens & Cheese
Turn off the heat and sprinkle in your fresh basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the skillet for a few minutes—this is the “magic” moment where the cheeses melt into dreamy, gooey goodness and bind everything together. Give it a final stir before serving!
Pro Tips for Making Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans
- Crispy Gnocchi Trick: Let your gnocchi sit undisturbed in the hot skillet for a minute or two on each side—don’t stir too much!—to help form an irresistible toasty crust.
- Flavorful Turkey: If you’re not using pre-seasoned turkey, add extra Italian herbs, a pinch of chili flakes, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for more punch.
- Drain Beans Well: Be sure your white beans are rinsed and drained thoroughly to avoid watering down the skillet sauce.
- Use the Broiler: For ultimate cheesy bubbles, pop the finished skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes (if your pan is oven-safe)! It gives the cheese a golden, restaurant-worthy top.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans
Garnishes
Don’t forget the finishing touches! Scatter extra fresh basil or parsley, a dusting of more Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper over each serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, a little drizzle of good olive oil just before serving enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
A big leafy salad with a zippy vinaigrette or some simple roasted broccoli makes an ideal lighter side. If you’re like me and can’t resist, tuck a slice of warm, crusty bread alongside to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this skillet family-style straight from the pan for a rustic, comforting feel, or spoon Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans into individual mini casseroles for a dinner-party twist. For a weeknight treat, top each bowl with a soft-cooked egg—so dreamy when the yolk runs into the sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool, then pack them into airtight containers. Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This recipe actually freezes better than you’d think! Transfer fully cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce loose and the gnocchi soft. If you want to refresh the cheesy topping, stick it under the broiler for a couple of minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works beautifully in this recipe. There’s no need to pre-boil—just add them to the skillet straight from the freezer and sauté as directed. They may need an extra minute or so to get golden and cooked through.
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What should I do if my skillet seems dry after browning the turkey?
If the pan looks dry before you sauté the gnocchi, simply add another drizzle of olive oil. This helps achieve that delicious caramelized crust on the gnocchi, and prevents sticking!
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Is it possible to make Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans dairy-free?
Absolutely! Omit the mozzarella and Parmesan, or use your favorite dairy-free cheeses. The dish is still plenty flavorful and the beans and turkey keep it hearty.
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I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes—will plain diced tomatoes work?
Definitely. While fire-roasted tomatoes add sweet and smoky depth, regular diced tomatoes are a perfectly fine swap. You can boost the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika if you have it!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans, I have a feeling it’ll become a go-to comfort meal in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. It’s unfussy, deeply satisfying, and always gets rave reviews—give it a try and let it bring a little weeknight magic to your table!
Print
Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty and flavorful Gnocchi with Turkey and White Beans recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that combines Italian seasoned ground turkey, pillowy potato gnocchi, white beans, and savory cheeses for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian seasoned ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 package (roughly 16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 3/4 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted garlic tomatoes
- 3/4 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and ground turkey. Cook until crumbly, about 5 minutes. Add oregano and garlic, cook an additional minute. Set aside.
- Sauté Gnocchi: Return skillet to heat. Add gnocchi and sauté until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return ground turkey to skillet. Mix in beans, tomatoes, and spinach. Cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with basil and cheeses. Cover to melt cheeses. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- This recipe reheats well and makes for great leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
