High Protein Classic Pasta Bolognese
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this **High Protein Classic Pasta Bolognese**, a hearty and flavor-packed twist on the traditional Italian favorite. This recipe combines lean ground turkey and ground pork for a protein-rich sauce, balanced perfectly with the natural sweetness of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery. Simmered with crushed tomatoes, a hint of red wine (optional), and fragrant herbs like basil and oregano, the Bolognese sauce achieves a deep, rich flavor that's irresistible. Tossed with wholesome whole wheat pasta, this dish is not only satisfying but also loaded with nutrients. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it's a comforting classic perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleaser is a nutritious spin on an iconic recipe that's sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole wheat pasta
- 12 oz lean ground turkey
- 12 oz ground pork
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey and ground pork to the pot. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and red wine (if using) to the meat mixture. Mix well.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Remove the bay leaf and discard.
Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce until well combined.
Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3014 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 141.0 g | 181% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.3 g | 226% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 589 mg | 196% | |
| Sodium | 4828 mg | 210% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 213.1 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.8 g | 160% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.6 g | ||
| Protein | 212.7 g | 425% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1078 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 24.0 mg | 133% | |
| Potassium | 5927 mg | 126% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
