Imagine a mouthwatering pasta dish that not only satisfies your comfort food cravings but also keeps your health goals on track. Our Healthy Turkey Bolognese Roasted Spaghetti is the game-changing recipe that transforms the traditional bolognese into a lighter, more nutritious meal without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. With lean ground turkey, rich tomato sauce, and a perfectly roasted finish, this dish promises to become your new weeknight dinner obsession that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish for roasting.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a light golden color, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Transfer the cooked spaghetti to the prepared baking dish. Pour the turkey bolognese sauce evenly over the pasta.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to further integrate and create a slightly crispy top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
- Serve hot, with optional grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content (90/10 blend) to ensure the meat stays juicy.
- Make sure to break down the ground turkey into small, uniform pieces while cooking to create a consistent sauce texture.
- Don't skip the roasting step - it helps concentrate flavors and creates a delightful crispy top layer that adds incredible depth to the dish.
- Use fresh basil as a garnish to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire meal.
- If you want to make this dish even healthier, consider using whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- For added nutrition, you can incorporate finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
