Hey, pasta lovers!
Looking for a hearty meal that’s also healthy? I’ve got a recipe just for you!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious ground turkey spaghetti.
It’s packed with flavor and super simple to whip up.
Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
Grab your pots and let’s dive in!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or lean ground beef for a similar protein content and texture. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed for different proteins.
Spaghetti can be substituted with whole wheat pasta for added fiber, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. If using zucchini noodles, reduce cooking time and drain excess liquid before combining with sauce.
Tomato sauce can be swapped with crushed tomatoes or tomato puree for a chunkier texture. Add a small amount of tomato paste to enhance flavor if using these alternatives. For a creamier sauce, mix in some Greek yogurt or coconut milk near the end of cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed when using different tomato products.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1400-1600
- Protein: 90-100 g
- Fat: 50-60 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-160 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup grated or finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup grated or finely chopped carrot
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
Once cooked to your preferred level of tenderness, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large saucepan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
Add diced carrot and onion to the pan, drizzling balsamic vinegar over the vegetables for extra flavor.
Cover the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey and Garlic
Add minced garlic and ground turkey to the sautéed vegetables.
Stir well to combine and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the turkey is completely cooked through, showing no pink in the center.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in your choice of tomato sauce along with any desired seasonings, such as Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, plus a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.
Lower the heat to a very low simmer, cover the pan, and allow the sauce to cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded, serve the turkey spaghetti sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
