Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti is a lighter, healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is both hearty and nourishing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you’re craving comfort food without the guilt. Serve it over spaghetti for a satisfying and balanced meal the whole family will love.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground turkeyolive oiloniongarliccarrotcelerycrushed tomatoes (canned)tomato pastedried oregano and basilred pepper flakes (optional)salt and pepperspaghetti noodlesfresh parsley or basil (for garnish)grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Serve the turkey Bolognese sauce over cooked spaghetti.
Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes
Variations
Use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for a low-carb or high-fiber option.
Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
Top with ricotta or mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a different flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.Freeze the sauce separately (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Is turkey Bolognese healthier than beef?
Yes, turkey is leaner than beef and lower in saturated fat, making it a lighter option.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them longer to achieve the same rich texture.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild in flavor and packed with hidden vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for meal prep or serving a crowd.
What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional, but you can also use penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of red wine adds depth—just simmer it briefly after adding.
Do I have to use Parmesan?
No, it’s optional, but it does add a nice salty finish.
What if I don’t have tomato paste?
You can omit it or substitute with a bit of ketchup or more crushed tomatoes.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs work well and are more shelf-stable.
Conclusion
Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti is a delicious, health-conscious alternative to traditional pasta dishes. It brings all the comfort and flavor of a classic Bolognese with a nutritious twist. Perfect for quick dinners, leftovers, and family meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti (Healthy & Hearty)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian‑American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A lighter twist on classic Bolognese using lean ground turkey, packed with veggies and warm Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low‑sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz whole‑grain spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes and broth, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- Adjust sauce seasoning to taste. Serve sauce over spaghetti, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Make it gluten‑free by using GF pasta.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrition.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze sauce (without pasta) in freezer‑safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup sauce + 2 oz cooked spaghetti
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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