Turkey Bolognese with Zucchini (Printable View)
A lean turkey sauce combined with tender zucchini noodles for a fresh low-carb main dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meat & Protein
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, finely diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
08 - 4 large zucchini, spiralized into noodles
→ Liquids & Oils
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Herbs & Spices
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1 tsp dried basil
13 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving (optional)
16 - 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
17 - Grated Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
02 - Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
03 - Add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes.
04 - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
06 - While the sauce simmers, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender but still crisp. Do not overcook.
07 - Serve the turkey Bolognese sauce over the zucchini noodles. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The ground turkey creates a lighter sauce that still delivers deep, satisfying flavor
- Zucchini noodles add freshness and crunch while keeping it low-carb friendly
- Everything cooks in one pan and the sauce tastes even better as leftovers
02 -
- Zucchini noodles release water as they cook, which is why we sauté them separately and quickly
- The sauce continues to thicken as it cools, so do not worry if it looks slightly thin right after simmering
- Ground turkey can be less forgiving than beef, so do not skip the vegetable base or the sauce will lack depth
03 -
- Use a box grater if you do not have a spiralizer, just cut the zucchini strips into noodle lengths after grating
- Pat the zucchini noodles dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture