Herbed Turkey Bolognese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Herbed Turkey Bolognese is a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite. It's lighter than the traditional beef version, with a fresh herbaceous flavor that makes it perfect for any night of the week. This recipe combines ground turkey with aromatic herbs and a touch of red wine, creating a rich, comforting sauce that pairs beautifully with spaghetti.

Ingredients for Herbed Turkey Bolognese

Olive oil is the base for sautéing, bringing out the flavor of the onion and garlic. The ground turkey is leaner than beef but still absorbs the flavors beautifully. Crushed tomatoes form the sauce's base, while chicken broth adds depth and a bit of umami. A splash of red wine enriches the sauce, and tomato paste thickens it. Oregano, basil, and thyme marry well with the tomatoes and turkey, giving the sauce its Italian flair. A hint of salt and pepper rounds out the seasoning. Grated carrots add a subtle sweetness and help to thicken the sauce naturally. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while Parmesan cheese provides that signature Italian finish. Serve it all over a bed of cooked spaghetti for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for longer, up to 45 minutes, if you have the time.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender to partially blend the sauce before adding the carrots.
  • Red wine vinegar can be used in place of red wine for a non-alcoholic option.

Serving Suggestions

This Herbed Turkey Bolognese pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For extra indulgence, top with additional Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta. A glass of the same red wine used in cooking makes for a lovely dinner accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs in place of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
Is there a substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, though broth adds more flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta or serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Herbed Turkey Bolognese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, add the ground turkey to the pan. Use a spoon to break it apart as it browns, making sure it's cooked through with no pink remaining.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red wine, and tomato paste. Stir everything together, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the herbs and spices are evenly distributed. Turn the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

After 20 minutes, add the grated carrots. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also helps thicken the sauce. Let it cook for another 10 minutes. Finally, stir in the fresh parsley and half of the Parmesan cheese. This will make the sauce wonderfully aromatic and creamy.

To serve, ladle the sauce over cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses lean ground turkey for a lighter, healthier meal.
  • Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and a splash of red wine.
  • Easy to make on a weeknight with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Great for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz cooked spaghetti

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red wine, and tomato paste.
5. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
6. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Incorporate the grated carrots and cook for another 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the fresh parsley and half of the Parmesan cheese.
9. Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.

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