Grandma’s Ground Turkey Spaghetti
Ground Turkey Spaghetti is a lighter and healthier twist on the classic spaghetti recipe. This dish features lean ground turkey, a rich tomato sauce, and your choice of pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey 93% lean or higher
- 12 oz spaghetti whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil optional for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
- Begin by filling a large pot with water, season it with salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Brown the Ground Turkey
- Push the onions and garlic to the sides of the skillet, then add the ground turkey to the center. Cook the turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the Tomatoes and Herbs
- Once the ground turkey is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend and deepen. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with the reserved pasta water.
Combine and Serve
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil for garnish.
Notes
If you’re looking to switch things up or want to make this dish even more nutrient-dense, here are a few variations:
- Add vegetables: You can boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. Sauté them along with the onions for added flavor and texture.
- Use whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat spaghetti adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor, making this dish even healthier.
- Spicy turkey spaghetti: If you like a little kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.