Soft Turkey in Pan

Name: Soft Turkey in Pan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Turkey breast 1.1 lbs; Light cream &frac13; cup; Extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tbsp; White wine 2 ½ tbsp; Garlic 1 clove; Rosemary to taste; Sage to taste; Fine salt to taste

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Gluten Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Nicola Sorrentino

So here's the thing, this pan-cooked turkey dish is just perfect for a weeknight when you need something quick but, you know, a bit special. Really. In Italy, skillet turkey like this is pretty much a go-to when you’re craving something light yet filling. It’s seriously good. The magic starts with small pieces of tender turkey breast cooked in extra virgin olive oil—yeah, the good stuff—along with smashed garlic and those classic Italian herbs, rosemary and sage. The flavors are really really amazing, keeping the turkey juicy and moist. And look, a splash of white wine in the pan not only lifts those tasty bits from the bottom but adds a tangy touch. Add a spoonful of cream at the end to make it rich, but not heavy.

Now, across Italy, you'll find some folks swapping in lemon zest for the wine or tossing in capers. And that's cool. But the base? It is all about a straightforward, tender stovetop turkey dish that's packed with flavor. For real. It’s a favorite for busy folks and beginner cooks since it uses just a few ingredients. No need to babysit the pan constantly. Works great. Pair it with sautéed veggies or a fresh salad for dinner, and you’re all set.

If you're on the hunt for an easy turkey recipe with a touch of elegance, this one's a winner. Plus, you’ll pick up those essential turkey cooking tips Italians swear by, like starting with a hot pan for a good sear and finishing with cream for a silky, not heavy, sauce. Honestly, the whole dish comes together quickly, giving you a meal that's soft, flavorful, and a bit fancy—proving that a quick turkey dinner can be exciting and moist, not boring or dry. Italian home cooks often whip this up to show how versatile turkey can be, especially when you want to switch things up from the usual chicken or beef. Really. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is a tasty way to dive into Italian flavors right at home. Cannot go wrong.

How to prepare Soft Turkey in Pan

To prepare the soft turkey in the pan, first take care of the meat. Cut the turkey breast into chunks of about 3/4 inch 1 2. In a well-heated non-stick pan, pour the oil, add the clove of garlic, sage, and rosemary 3.

Let it brown over low heat. Add the turkey 4 and let it brown over medium heat on both sides 5, then add salt 6.

Deglaze with white wine 7. Let it evaporate, then remove the rosemary branches, sage, and garlic 8. Add the light cream 9.

Stir 10, cover with a lid, and let it cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat. When it is tender and the sauce is creamy 11, the turkey will be ready, and you can serve it hot 12.

Storage

You can keep the soft turkey in the pan for 1-2 days maximum in the fridge.
Alternatively, it can be frozen.

Tip

You can replace the cream with:

Plain Greek yogurt: it is the most common substitution for those who want a creamy but light result. Choose it natural, unsweetened, and add it off the heat to prevent it from separating.

Sifted ricotta: gives a delicate creaminess and a slightly sweet taste; you can thin it with a couple of tablespoons of milk or hot broth.

Milk and flour (or cornstarch): thicken 7 oz of milk with a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch, obtaining a velvety sauce similar to cooking cream.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.