Description
Zucchini Noodles with Quick Turkey Bolognese is a light, flavorful meal featuring tender spiralized zucchini noodles topped with a rich, savory turkey tomato sauce. This healthy low-carb dinner combines lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and Italian herbs for a satisfying weeknight meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Zucchini Noodles
- 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
Turkey Bolognese Sauce
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Brown Turkey: Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in chicken broth or water and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Cook Zucchini Noodles: While the sauce simmers, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and cook 2–3 minutes, tossing gently until just tender but not watery.
- Assemble Dish: Divide the cooked zucchini noodles among serving bowls. Spoon the turkey Bolognese sauce generously over the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to prepare the zucchini noodles for the best texture.
- Do not overcook the zucchini noodles as they can release excess moisture and become soggy.
- To achieve a thicker sauce, simmer the Bolognese a few extra minutes beyond recommended time.
- Ground chicken or lean ground beef are acceptable substitutes for ground turkey.
- Store cooked sauce separately from zucchini noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The turkey Bolognese sauce freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
