Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti
Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti
Introduction
Are you craving a comforting and delicious pasta dish that is both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to enjoy a satisfying meal at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its rich tomato sauce, savory ground turkey, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish will transport you to the heart of Italy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti recipe has a lot to offer. Here’s why you’ll love it:
1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
2. Healthier Option: By using lean ground turkey instead of beef, you can enjoy a lighter and healthier version of the classic Bolognese sauce without compromising on taste.
3. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of aromatic herbs, garlic, onions, and tomatoes creates a robust and flavorful sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
For this Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, grated
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– 1 pound spaghetti
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti:
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot.
3. Pour the prepared Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss to evenly coat the noodles.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these expert tips to ensure your Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti turns out perfectly:
– Don’t be afraid to add extra vegetables to the sauce. Finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini can be a great addition.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce before adding the ground turkey.
– For an extra burst of freshness, garnish each plate of spaghetti with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some torn basil leaves.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions to consider:
– Ground Meat: If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, you can use ground chicken, beef, or even a combination of meats.
– Pasta: While spaghetti is the traditional choice for Bolognese sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine would all work well.
– Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the ground turkey and replace it with cooked lentils or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the dish with these serving suggestions:
– Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette for mopping up the sauce.
– Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top for added flavor and freshness.
– Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Bolognese sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs with fresh herbs. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
Q: What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
A: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for this Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. So grab a fork, twirl some spaghetti, and savor each bite of this comforting and flavorful dish. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures and experiences with us!
Easy Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti
A comforting and delicious pasta dish made with rich tomato sauce, savory ground turkey, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This recipe is quick and easy to make, healthier than traditional Bolognese sauce, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1 pound spaghetti
Directions
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
-
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables have softened.
-
Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
-
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
-
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
-
Drain spaghetti and return it to the pot.
-
Pour Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat the noodles.
-
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.