Creamy One Pan Pasta Bake

Last Updated on May 7, 2024 by Tracy

Looking for an easy weeknight meal that won’t make a mess in the kitchen? This Creamy One Pan Pasta Bake it is! Loaded with fresh vegetables and dairy for protein and nutrients, this dinner recipe is ready in under an hour. While this post is sponsored by Florida Milk, my love of easy dinner ideas, Florida Milk and this recipe are my own.

Food is no longer just something we get at the grocery store. We, as consumers, like to know not only where our food is coming from, but also how we are supporting sustainability so that we can help contribute to a healthier planet. You all know my love and appreciation for farmers and what they do for us, and today we are going to do a little dive into sustainability and finish up with a yummy and easy dinner idea. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat our ovens, and chat about what’s for dinner, how amazing Florida Dairy Farmers are and sustainability!

Florida’s Dairy Farms: Nurturing the Land and Community

Florida Dairy farmers are not just producers of milk but stewards of the land. Through innovative practices and a deep commitment to sustainability, Florida’s dairy farms are leading the way towards a greener future. From embracing technology to conservation initiatives, Florida Dairy farms are nurturing the land while supporting local communities.

Sustainable Farming Practices:

• About 30% of a cow’s diet is made up of agricultural byproducts like cottonseed hulls and citrus peels that would otherwise end up in landfills.
• Florida Dairy farmers conserve water, they reuse water up to four times.
• Cows love alfalfa! 

This soil-friendly crop doesn’t need to be replanted each year, making it a champion in protecting topsoil from erosion.
• Manure, a byproduct of dairy farming, is handled with great care. Modern equipment separates the solid and liquid components. The solids are either applied to the cropland or composted and sold as organic fertilizer. The liquids are recycled for various uses on the farm. This careful process helps to protect against runoff and reduces air emissions.
• Large sections of grass and trees planted alongside streams, lakes, and fields. They slow water runoff, trap sediment, and enhance water infiltration, helping to protect our water sources.
• Florida Dairy farmers have embarked on a mission to attain greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050.

Did you know most farmers live and work on the same property as their animals? Clean air is a personal issue for these stewards of the land.

Community Engagement:

In addition to sustainable farming practices, Florida dairy farms actively engage with local communities through educational programs, farm tours, and outreach initiatives. By fostering connections between consumers and producers, these farms promote agricultural literacy and build trust in the food system, contributing to communities.

Why I love Cooking with Dairy

Dairy products are not just delicious; they also offer health benefits!

Nutritional Benefits of Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich sources of essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, potassium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, supporting muscle growth and repair, and promoting overall health and well-being.

Protein Powerhouse:
Dairy products are excellent sources of high-quality protein, containing all essential amino acids needed for muscle building and repair. Incorporating dairy into your cooking helps boost protein intake, supporting muscle growth, weight management, and overall health.

Calcium Absorption:
Dairy products are one of the best sources of dietary calcium, which is essential for bone health and proper muscle function. Cooking with dairy helps ensure adequate calcium intake, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, especially in older adults.

Health:
Research suggests that moderate consumption of dairy products may be beneficial for heart health. Dairy contains nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which support healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, some studies suggest that dairy consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Yogurt and other fermented dairy products contain beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics help maintain digestive health, improve nutrient absorption, boost immunity, and may even have mood-regulating effects. Learn more about dairy and your health.

Weight Management:
Despite some misconceptions, incorporating dairy into your diet may actually help with weight management. The protein and fat in dairy products help increase satiety, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. Including dairy in your cooking can help you maintain a healthy weight by reducing cravings.

Versatility in Cooking:
Dairy products are incredibly versatile ingredients that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. Whether you’re adding cheese to pasta, yogurt to smoothies, or milk to soups and sauces, dairy enhances the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of your meals. That’s a WIN-WIN-WIN!

Alright, let’s check out how to make my creamy pasta bake….

Ingredients:

Low Fat Ground Turkey: Turkey provides lean protein
Vidalia Onion and Sweet Peppers: Diced and fresh from farms, these vegetables add flavor and color while promoting regional agriculture.
Pasta: It is a pasta bake after-all 🙂
Half & Half and Chicken Broth: The half & half makes it extra creamy and the chicken broth adds a boost of flavor to the pasta.
Cherry Tomatoes: Quartered and bursting with flavor, these tomatoes contribute to the dish’s vibrant taste.
Whole Milk Ricotta: Ricotta adds creaminess while supporting the dairy industry.
Spinach: Packed with nutrients and freshness, spinach adds a pop of green and promotes healthy eating habits.
Parmesan Cheese: Because…yummmmmm
Garlic Powder and All-Purpose Seasoning: Enhance flavor with these pantry staples, and consider using organic or locally sourced varieties for sustainability.

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare Baking Dish: In a 13×9 baking dish, combine the cooked ground turkey, diced onion, sweet peppers, seasonings, and cherry tomatoes.
Add Pasta: Spread the uncooked pasta evenly over the turkey and vegetable mixture.
Pour Liquid Ingredients: Add the chicken broth and half & half over the pasta.
Mix and Cover: Mix all ingredients in the baking dish, covering it with aluminum foil to seal in flavors.
Bake: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
Mix In Ricotta and Spinach: Remove the dish from the oven and stir in the whole milk ricotta and fresh spinach, mix well.
Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish, reserving some for garnish when serving.
Final Bake: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, serve alongside a cold glass of milk.

By supporting local agriculture, embracing eco-friendly practices, and choosing wholesome ingredients, we not only nourish our bodies but also contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.

Be sure to check out Florida Milk for more dairy-licious recipes and follow on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

And while you are at it, check out all the recipes on Food Wine Sunshine and follow on me Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more FOOD WINE AND SUNSHINE.