New Year's Comfort: Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet

As the new year begins, many of us are looking for meals that feel nourishing, satisfying, and easy to stick with. January is the perfect time to lean into recipes that support your goals without sacrificing comfort or flavor. At Thrive, we focus on simple, balanced meals that make healthy eating sustainable. This Turkey Butternut Squash recipe is a protein-packed, nutrient-dense option that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for meal prep—helping you start the year feeling fueled, not restricted.

Why This Skillet Is The Perfect Meal

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a moment to highlight what makes this skillet truly worth cooking:

• Packed with nutrient-dense veggies: butternut squash, spinach, celery, carrot, onion.
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and leafy greens.
• One-pot, minimal-cleanup recipe that is great for meal prep — reheats well for 3–4 days.
• Fiber-rich from squash + veggies to support digestion and blood sugar balance.
• Naturally gluten-free.

The Recipe: Turkey Butternut Squash Skillet

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
• 2 oz feta cheese
• 4 cups spinach, roughly chopped (spinach works as well)
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• ½ cup chicken bone broth
• ½ white onion, sliced
• 2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed butternut squash, onion, celery, garlic, and black pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, then pour in half of the chicken stock, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes. The squash should be able to be pierced easily with a fork. Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl and set aside.

2. In the skillet, add the ground turkey along with the salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it apart, until the turkey is no longer pink.

3. Return the squash mixture to the skillet and stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Add the remaining chicken stock, cover, and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the squash is fully tender and the greens have wilted. Add a little more stock if the mixture becomes dry or starts sticking.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the feta and finish with a sprinkle of thyme.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

This recipe makes 4 servings, but portions can be adjusted to fit your nutrition goals.

• Calories: ~308
• Protein: ~26 g
• Carbohydrates: ~19 g
• Fat: ~14.5 g

Nourish Your Body In The New Year

This Turkey Butternut Squash recipe is a nourishing, balanced option that fits seamlessly into a healthy routine. At Thrive, we focus on meals that support long-term wellness without overcomplicating nutrition—simple, satisfying dishes you can feel good about coming back to.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or sitting down to a comforting dinner, this recipe makes it easy to fuel your body with intention as you head into the new year—one supportive choice at a time.