Description
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a meal that’s both delicious and healthy. That’s why I’m excited to share my Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti recipe with you! This dish is a delightful twist on the classic spaghetti, packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich turkey bolognese sauce, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 2 carrots peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup red wine or chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)
- 8 ounces spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for serving)
- Grated Parmesan cheese to taste (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- If using, pour in the wine or broth to deglaze the pan and scrape up browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the turkey bolognese sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg