Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both hearty and a bit lighter than the classic, you’ve got to try my Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe. This dish masterfully blends tender ground turkey with vibrant, fresh vegetables and rich tomatoes, all simmered together to create a sauce that clings to every strand of perfectly cooked spaghetti. The touch of creamy half and half adds a subtle silkiness, while fresh basil bursts through as the finishing flourish. It’s an absolute joy to make and share, bringing the warmth of homemade Italian cooking right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a starring role in making the Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe shine.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, providing a fruity and rich base for your vegetables and turkey.
- Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce when softened.
- Diced carrots: They bring a natural sweetness and beautiful texture for a well-rounded sauce.
- Diced celery: Offers a gentle crunch and earthy undertone that balances the tomatoes.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors for a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that soaks up the seasonings and keeps the sauce feeling lighter.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic zest and savory depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings the classic Italian character to the dish.
- Crushed tomatoes: The juicy base that gives this Bolognese its signature vibrant red color and tang.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds chunky texture and freshness to the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that intensifies the richness and thickness.
- Half and half (or whole milk): Creates a creamy finish, mellowing acidity and tying everything together.
- Spaghetti: The perfect pasta strand to cradle the luscious Bolognese sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it’s the ultimate topping for extra flavor and indulgence.
- Fresh basil ribbons (chiffonade): Brings a fresh, aromatic pop that lights up every bite.
How to Make Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Get Prep Going
Start by peeling and dicing the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly and blend seamlessly into the sauce, delivering that classic Bolognese texture where tender vegetables meld perfectly with the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and fragrant — about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until that garlic aroma fills your kitchen. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Add the Turkey and Tomatoes
Now it’s time for the star protein. Add the ground turkey to your pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly, developing both flavor and texture — this usually takes around 5 minutes. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and half and half (or whole milk if you prefer). Mix everything together to marry those fresh and creamy notes into a sumptuous sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring your sauce to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to deepen and harmonize. The sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers — a perfect consistency for coating your spaghetti beautifully. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed to balance the flavors to your liking.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente—meaning tender but still with a pleasing bite. Before draining, save a small cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid is magical for loosening the sauce later if needed.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your spaghetti and add it directly into the simmering sauce. Toss everything together so each strand gets luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels a little too thick or dry, stir in a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your favorite consistency. This helps the sauce cling to the noodles while keeping it silky and rich.
Step 7: Serve Your Masterpiece
Dish out the pasta and sauce into bowls or plates. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese generously on top and scatter fresh basil ribbons for an herbaceous, bright punch. Now you’re ready to dive into the magic that is Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe.
How to Serve Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, nothing beats freshly shredded Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil ribbons. They elevate the dish’s flavor and presentation, adding salty, nutty notes and vibrant green color that entice the senses before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty main enjoys great company from a simple green salad tossed in light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also fantastic for soaking up every luscious drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve this Turkey Bolognese over nests of spaghetti twirled elegantly with tongs for a refined touch. Alternatively, layering it into a shallow casserole and baking briefly with melted cheese on top offers a bubbly, baked pasta experience that’s equally delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Bolognese stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day for a quick and satisfying meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this flavorful dish longer, freeze the sauce separately in freezer-friendly containers or bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it gently in the refrigerator before reheating so it maintains its texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if needed to loosen it. Reheat cooked spaghetti by dipping briefly in hot water or microwaving with a moist paper towel to restore softness. Then toss them back together for that freshly made feel.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for the Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and ideal for this sauce, feel free to use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even penne. Just keep in mind that the shape affects how the sauce clings to the pasta.
Is ground turkey a healthy alternative to beef in this Bolognese?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option that still provides excellent protein without sacrificing flavor. It keeps the dish lighter but still hearty and satisfying.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Definitely. The sauce can be prepared a day or two before serving and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to eat.
What’s the secret to a silky, creamy Bolognese sauce?
The addition of half and half or whole milk toward the end of cooking softens the acidity of tomatoes and gives the sauce a smooth, rich mouthfeel that’s hard to resist.
How do I keep fresh basil from wilting when serving?
Chiffonade-cut fresh basil ribbons added just before serving retain their color and aroma, providing a bright contrast. Adding them too early during cooking can cause them to lose their vibrancy.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Its blend of vibrant vegetables, lean turkey, creamy tomato sauce, and fragrant basil creates a comforting yet fresh experience you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a beloved favorite on your dinner rotation. Grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re in for a delicious treat!
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Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This comforting Turkey Bolognese recipe is a lighter twist on the classic Italian meat sauce, made with lean ground turkey and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in a rich tomato and creamy sauce. Served over al dente spaghetti and topped with fresh basil and parmesan, it’s a hearty and delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion, finely diced)
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 3 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced)
- 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks, finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Meat and Tomatoes
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup half and half (can use whole milk)
Pasta and Toppings
- 1 lb spaghetti
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons (chiffonade)
Instructions
- Get Prepped: Peel and dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking and texture in the sauce.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, mixing thoroughly to coat the vegetables.
- Add the Turkey and Tomatoes: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and half and half (or whole milk). Mix well to combine all ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the simmering sauce and toss together to coat the noodles thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the pasta and sauce among serving bowls. Top each portion with shredded parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with unsweetened coconut milk or omit it.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce consistency for perfect coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
