Ground Turkey Mac and Cheese

1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

1 lb Lean ground turkey

1 Medium onion, chopped

1 Clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp Cornstarch (or tapioca/arrowroot powder)

1 tsp Smoked paprika

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Garlic powder

1 Diced red bell pepper or chopped roasted red bell pepper (optional!)

¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (grown ups love this!)

Salt and pepper

2 cups Milk (1% or 2% regular milk - or use unsweetened nut milk)

1 cup Water

8 oz Elbow pasta (use whole wheat or gluten free pasta if desired)

2 cups Packed baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional!)

1 cup Grated cheddar cheese

Place olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add turkey and cook until browned, breaking up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess liquid from the pot and return to the stove.

Add the onions and cook with the turkey until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic to the pot and cook an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the peppers to the pot and cook another 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Add cornstarch and spices and stir until the meat mixture is thoroughly coated.

Add the milk, water and pasta, bring to a boil then reduce to a medium simmer, cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring a couple of times while cooking.

Uncover the pot, turn off the heat, add the spinach (or steamed broccoli florets, or peas) and cheese and stir until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve.

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