Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of mouthwatering bolognese that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy. This Simple Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Zucchini Noodles is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, proving that comfort food can be both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a quick, gourmet-style meal that takes less than an hour to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, spiralized
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, spiralize the zucchini, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add ground turkey to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, cooking until it's fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the turkey. Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- While sauce simmers, prepare zucchini noodles by gently heating them in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften.
- Plate zucchini noodles, top with turkey bolognese sauce, and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips
- For the most flavorful sauce, use fresh, high-quality ground turkey with a bit of fat content to keep the meat juicy.
- Make sure to thoroughly brown the turkey - this develops deep, rich flavors that will make your sauce truly memorable.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Those 15-20 minutes allow the tomatoes and meat to create a harmonious, deeply satisfying sauce.
- If you want extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of dried oregano while the sauce simmers.
- For a lower-carb option, the zucchini noodles are perfect, but you can also serve over traditional pasta for those who prefer it.
- Fresh basil is key - chop it just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and aroma.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
