Herb-Infused Spaghetti Sauce

Name: Herb-Infused Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup red wine; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This herb-infused spaghetti sauce is your ticket to a fresh, flavorful, and fulfilling pasta night. Made with aromatic herbs and a splash of red wine, it’s a hearty sauce that elevates any spaghetti meal without a hitch. Perfect for those who crave a homemade touch in their meals.

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Ingredients for Herb-Infused Spaghetti Sauce

Olive oil: Starts the sauce off with a rich base flavor for sautéing our veggies.

Onion, garlic, and green bell pepper: These aromatics create a savory foundation with a hint of sweetness from the onions.

Ground turkey: A lean protein choice that absorbs the herbs and spices beautifully.

Crushed tomatoes: The body of our sauce; they offer a smooth texture and a slight tang.

Red wine: Adds depth and a hint of acidity that balances the tomatoes.

Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens up the sauce.

Oregano, basil, and thyme: These dried herbs infuse the sauce with a classic Italian aroma.

Red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper: Enhance and balance out the flavors with a bit of heat and seasoning.

Fresh parsley: Stirred in at the end for a burst of freshness.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, umami finish to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to break down the chunks after simmering.
No red wine on hand? Substitute with beef broth for a different kind of richness.
Let the sauce sit for a day in the fridge before serving for a deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is a match made in heaven with al dente spaghetti, but you can also spoon it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Pair with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?: Absolutely! Just remember that fresh herbs are more potent, so use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?: Yes, simply omit the turkey and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture.

Herb-Infused Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want the oil shimmering, but not smoking. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté these until the onions are translucent — it should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once there’s no pink left, stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine, and tomato paste. Mix everything until it's well combined.

Time to season. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so to prevent sticking.

When the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese right before serving. These last touches make the flavors pop!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Herbaceous and rich flavor profile, thanks to a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Ground turkey makes it a leaner option without sacrificing taste.
Quick prep with just 15 minutes of active cooking.
Perfectly complements any pasta experience with a touch of sophistication.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 lb ground turkey

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté until onion is translucent.

3. Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red wine, and tomato paste.

5. Season with oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.