Description
A lighter take on classic spaghetti made with whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and a rich homemade tomato sauce. This healthy, family-friendly dinner is packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti
Protein & Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce in the skillet, and toss well to coat all the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Substitute ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for the ground turkey to vary the protein source.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
