Spaghetti with Ground Turkey
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful Spaghetti with Ground Turkey recipe—a lighter twist on the classic Italian favorite. Featuring tender strands of al dente spaghetti enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and a medley of dried herbs, this dish perfectly balances wholesome ingredients with bold flavors. The lean, protein-packed ground turkey adds a hearty touch without the heaviness, while optional red chili flakes provide a gentle kick for spice lovers. With minimal prep time and a 30-minute cook time, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings, delivering a comforting, homemade meal in no time. Top it off with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a pop of fresh parsley for a stunning garnish, and enjoy this crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 ounces (1 can) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon (optional) red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup (grated, for garnish) Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup (chopped, for garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the spaghetti aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1471 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.0 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 322 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 2786 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 168.5 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 116.6 g | 233% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 274 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 2584 mg | 55% | |
*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.
