Name: Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe
Prep time: PT-487113H46M50S
Cook time: PT-487113H46M50S
Total time: PT-487113H46M50S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese; 1/3 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1-2 grated garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped); Salt and pepper to taste; 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese; 1 pound of short pasta; 1 head romaine lettuce (shredded); 2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 3-4 fresh ears); 1/2 cup fresh basil (torn); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese (diced); 1 avocado (diced); 4 tablespoons salted butter; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to preference); 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice

Jump to Recipe

If you love the idea of a zesty, flavor-packed meal loaded with fresh veggies and bold spices, Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. Picture golden, roasted cauliflower mingling with juicy ground turkey, all tossed in a creamy garlic butter and finished with vibrant herbs, spicy cheddar, and a swirl of lime. Every forkful is bursting with comforting, crave-worthy flavors and delightfully contrasting textures—trust me, you’ll want seconds.

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is proof that a handful of humble kitchen staples can come together for a truly memorable meal. Each ingredient has a role to play to deliver an irresistible balance of creamy, crunchy, spicy, and fresh. Here’s what makes this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet shine:

Cream cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): The creamy backbone of the sauce—let it soften so it blends effortlessly into the skillet.
Sour cream (1/3 cup): Adds tangy richness and a smooth, silky texture to the garlic butter sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Infuses the skillet with a subtle fruitiness and helps everything sauté beautifully.
Grated garlic (1–2 cloves): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here; it anchors the dish with bold flavor in every bite.
Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Bright, oniony, and fresh—snip these in at the end for a pop of color.
Salt & pepper: Essential for making all the flavors come alive, so season to taste!
Cotija or feta cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled): Crumbly, savory cheese for that salty, tangy finish.
Short pasta (1 pound): Pick your favorite bite-sized shape to catch all that garlic butter goodness.
Romaine lettuce (1 head, shredded): Adds a refreshing crunch; don’t skip it, even if you’re skeptical.
Grilled or roasted corn (2 cups, from 3–4 ears): Sweet, golden kernels are the secret to extra flavor and a bit of char.
Fresh basil (1/2 cup, torn): The herby magic that makes every bite burst with freshness.
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): For those who love extra green and brightness!
Spicy cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, diced): Creamy with a little kick—if you can’t find it, add a dash of cayenne to regular cheddar.
Avocado (1, diced): Creamy and cooling, avocado balances out the warm, spicy flavors.
Salted butter (4 tablespoons): The heart of the garlic butter—don’t hold back!
Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Delivers depth, color, and that unmistakable hint of smoke.
Chili powder (2 tablespoons): A little heat to wake up the whole dish.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 to 2 teaspoons): Adjust depending on your spice preference—start low, taste, and crank it up if you love heat.
Mayonnaise or yogurt (1/4 cup): Blended into a tangy dressing that ties everything together.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): This zingy splash is what makes each bite fresh and exciting.

How to Make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing

Let’s set the flavor foundation! In a large salad bowl, combine your room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, freshly grated garlic, chopped chives, salt and pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix everything until it’s luscious and creamy. This is the magic that’s going to infuse your skillet with savory, garlicky depth.

Step 2: Cook Pasta & Toss Everything Together

Get a pot of salted water boiling and cook your short pasta until perfectly al dente. As soon as it’s drained, toss it while still warm into the creamy cheese dressing. Now pile in the shredded romaine, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar, and avocado. Toss gently so every noodle, kernel, and cheese cube gets a glossy, flavorful coating—a fresh take on the Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet base.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter

Now it’s time for the skillet star! Melt your salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s golden and just fragrant, sprinkle in smoked paprika, chili powder, a pinch of salt, and as much cayenne as your family enjoys. Let it sizzle for a minute so the spices wake up and perfume the kitchen, then take it off the heat. This chili butter is going to get drizzled all over—trust me, don’t skip it!

Step 4: Whip Up the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of salt. This quick, tangy drizzle is the finishing touch that cuts through the richness. It balances out the boldness of the chili butter and brightens every forkful.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Time to pull it all together! You can serve your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet warm or chilled. Just before serving, drizzle the lime mayo dressing and spoon that dreamy chili butter over the top. If you’ve got time, let the salad sit a bit to let those flavors mingle—it gets better as it rests.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet

Garnishes

The right flourish takes this skillet from delicious to downright irresistible. Sprinkle extra fresh chives, basil, and cilantro over the top just before serving for heaps of color and life. Crumbled cotija or feta and a few slices of fresh avocado seal the deal for presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside crunchy tortilla chips, crisp cucumber spears, or even a simple tomato salad. A wedge of crusty bread works wonders to sop up that leftover garlic butter, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try spooning your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet into individual lettuce cups or even atop baked sweet potato halves—these little flavor boats are perfect for parties. Going potluck-style? Layer the pasta and veggies in a trifle dish for a pretty, stacked look that makes every ingredient shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Storing leftovers of this Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet is a total breeze. Keep everything in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If possible, store garnishes and dressings separately so the salad stays crisp and vibrant each time you dip in.

Freezing

While the pasta and turkey base can technically be frozen, the dairy and fresh elements (like avocado and herbs) don’t love the chill. If you want to freeze components, do it before adding the cheese, avocado, or romaine—freeze the pasta-turkey-cauliflower mix, then add fresh toppings when serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet warm, reheat portions gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra olive oil, tossing until just heated through. Avoid microwaving with the avocado and fresh herbs in, as they’ll lose their vibrancy. Freshen up each serving with fresh garnishes after heating.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta, and double-check that your seasonings and cheese are gluten-free. The flavors stay rich and bold, and nobody will miss the gluten, promise.

What can I use instead of spicy cheddar cheese?

If spicy cheddar is nowhere to be found, use regular sharp cheddar and mix in a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for heat. Pepper jack is another fantastic alternative for that gooey, spicy kick.

Can I use frozen corn if I don’t have fresh?

Yes! Frozen corn works really well—just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before tossing it in a hot skillet with a little oil. Let it develop some charred spots for maximum flavor, just like fresh grilled corn.

Is there a good dairy-free version of Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet?

Definitely! Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, yogurt, and cheese alternatives. Use olive oil-based vegan butter for the chili butter, and you’ll still get all those amazing spicy, garlicky, creamy flavors.

Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?

Of course! This skillet is incredibly flexible—try adding bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted zucchini. Just make sure to add heartier veggies a little earlier so everything cooks through.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet yet, you’re in for an absolute treat. It’s colorful, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a family or bringing something special to a potluck. Give it a go and see how this skillet turns simple ingredients into something magical—you might forever change your weeknight dinner routine!

Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25-35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with sweet charred corn, fresh herbs, and a creamy, lime-spiked dressing. Topped with a spicy chili butter and tangy lime mayo, this salad is a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix well.
Cook Pasta & Combine Salad: Cook short pasta until al dente. Drain immediately and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
Make the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute to allow spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, as preferred. Drizzle with the Lime Mayo Dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the Chili Butter. For deeper flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing, Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican