Turkey Spaghetti Recipe

This simple Turkey Spaghetti recipe is made with lean ground turkey, a savory tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs, and classic spaghetti noodles. This recipe creates a healthier, hearty, and satisfying twist on a classic comfort food. It’s the perfect main course for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed family meal, and is easy to make for 6-8 people.

Turkey Spaghetti Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Turkey Spaghetti

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink.
4. Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
5. Serve: Combine the cooked spaghetti with the turkey meat sauce or serve the sauce over the noodles. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the simmer: Simmering the sauce for at least 15 minutes is crucial. This step allows the flavors from the tomatoes, turkey, and herbs to meld together, creating a more complex and delicious final dish.
• Add other vegetables: To make the dish even heartier and more nutritious, you can add finely diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the pot when you sauté the onions.
• Use the right turkey: Lean ground turkey (around 93% lean) works best for this recipe. It has enough fat to add flavor without making the sauce greasy.
• Adjust for acidity: If your tomato sauce tastes a little too acidic, you can stir in about a half-teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor.

What To Serve Turkey Spaghetti

This classic pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich sauce. You can also serve it with a side of warm garlic bread for dipping.

How To Store Turkey Spaghetti Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store the cooled turkey spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store leftover cooked spaghetti separately if possible to prevent it from getting mushy. Freeze: This sauce freezes beautifully. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove.

Turkey Spaghetti Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 27g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can. While spaghetti is the classic choice, this sauce works well with a variety of pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
• How do I make the sauce thicker? The sauce should thicken naturally as it simmers. If you prefer a very thick sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 10 minutes of simmering to allow more liquid to evaporate.
• Can I make this with ground beef instead? Yes, you can easily substitute lean ground beef for the ground turkey. The cooking time and process will be the same, but the flavor will be a little richer.

Try More Recipes:

• Veggie-Packed Pasta Recipe
• Veggie Lasagna Rollups Recipe
• Veggie Ravioli Bake Recipe