There’s nothing quite like a big, hearty plate of spaghetti. But we’re not talking about just any spaghetti. Oh no, we’re stepping it up a notch today with a twist that’s both lean and delicious—Turkey Spaghetti. This is the perfect variation to making spaghetti but with a healthy twist! If you’re looking for a family-friendly meal that satisfies every time, Turkey Spaghetti is where it’s at. So grab your pot, your ingredients, and let’s get in the kitchen!
Spaghetti is a go-to for a reason—it’s comforting, filling, and versatile. But when you swap out ground beef for turkey, you get a leaner protein that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Turkey is a great way to make your spaghetti healthy with lean meat and veggies in that flavorful sauce. Whether you’re trying to eat a bit healthier, or you’re just looking to switch things up from your regular pasta routine, Turkey Spaghetti delivers. And let’s not forget how perfect this dish is for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up this flavorful Turkey Spaghetti:
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Turkey Spaghetti
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside for later.
- Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. This means it’s ready for those veggies! - Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey
Now, add your ground turkey to the same pot with the vegetables. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 6-7 minutes. - Add the Tomatoes and Spices
Once the turkey is fully cooked, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together. Then, toss in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors. - Simmer the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to come together, and the sauce will thicken nicely. Stir occasionally to keep anything from sticking to the bottom. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce has finished simmering, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir it all together, making sure the spaghetti is well-coated with the sauce. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes. - Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your Turkey Spaghetti, sprinkle with a bit of parmesan or fresh herbs if you like, and dig in!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure your pasta is al dente when you drain it. It will absorb more sauce when mixed, so you don’t want it to be too soft before combining.
- Season the Meat While Cooking: Add a pinch of salt and pepper while browning the ground turkey for an extra layer of flavor.
- Simmer Time is Key: Letting the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes helps all the ingredients meld together. If you’ve got the time, you can even let it go longer—up to an hour—for an even richer flavor.
- Adjust to Taste: If you like things a bit spicier, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes. Prefer a more herbaceous flavor? Add more oregano or basil.
- Don’t Skimp on Garlic: The garlic adds a robust, savory element to the sauce. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, toss some in during the last few minutes of simmering. It adds a pop of freshness that dried herbs just can’t beat.
15 Variations of Turkey Spaghetti
- Spicy Turkey Spaghetti: Add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a fiery kick.
- Turkey Spaghetti with Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the veggies for a heartier dish.
- Cheesy Turkey Spaghetti: Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar just before serving for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Creamy Turkey Spaghetti: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamy version.
- Veggie-Loaded Turkey Spaghetti: Add chopped zucchini, spinach, or even kale to the sauce to pack in extra vegetables.
- Turkey Spaghetti with Italian Sausage: Swap half of the ground turkey for Italian sausage to boost the flavor.
- Baked Turkey Spaghetti: Pour the finished spaghetti into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan, and bake until bubbly for a casserole-style meal.
- Gluten-Free Turkey Spaghetti: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Low-Carb Turkey Spaghetti: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
- Turkey Spaghetti with Olives: Stir in chopped black or green olives for a salty, briny flavor.
- Smoky Turkey Spaghetti: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give the dish a smoky depth.
- Herb Butter Turkey Spaghetti: Stir in a tablespoon of herb butter right before serving for an extra layer of richness.
- Turkey and Shrimp Spaghetti: Mix in cooked shrimp for a surf-and-turf-style spaghetti.
- Mediterranean Turkey Spaghetti: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Turkey Spaghetti Carbonara: Stir in beaten eggs and parmesan at the end for a creamy, carbonara-inspired dish.
What to Serve with Turkey Spaghetti
- Garlic Bread: Classic and always a favorite.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with a creamy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots for a healthy side.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomato and basil on toasted bread makes a perfect appetizer.
- Caprese Salad: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil are light and refreshing.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats make a great starter.
- Antipasto Platter: Olives, cheeses, and cured meats bring some Italian flair to the meal.
- Sauteed Spinach: A simple, garlicky side that’s light but flavorful.
- Garlic Parmesan Knots: Soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping in extra sauce.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette offers a bright contrast to the pasta.
- Fried Zucchini: Crispy and delicious, it’s a fun side dish.
- Meatballs: Even with turkey as the base, who can say no to a few extra meatballs?
- Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roasted with balsamic, these are a flavorful side.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta is an excellent, hearty accompaniment.
- Mozzarella Sticks: If you’re serving kids, these are sure to be a hit.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Turkey Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: You can freeze the turkey sauce on its own or with the pasta for up to 3 months. If freezing with pasta, slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated.
- Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen spaghetti in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm it up on the stove with a bit of water or olive oil to bring back its original texture.
How Much Turkey Spaghetti Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
If you’re hosting a family gathering, it’s always better to have too much than too little. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of pasta per person. Since this dish is so filling, you can comfortably serve 6-8 people with a single batch of this recipe, which calls for 8 ounces of pasta. If you’re feeding a larger group or want leftovers, simply double the recipe to ensure everyone gets their fill.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Turkey Spaghetti?
The beauty of this dish is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and mix it all together. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months, so it’s a great option for when you want a hearty meal but don’t have the time to cook it from scratch.
If you’re making it for a big event, feel free to prepare the entire dish the day before. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. This way, you can have a stress-free meal, ready to go without any last-minute rush.
Ultimate Turkey Spaghetti: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Family Favorite
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside for later.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. This means it’s ready for those veggies!
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Now, add your ground turkey to the same pot with the vegetables. Break it up with a spoon or spatula and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 6-7 minutes.
- Once the turkey is fully cooked, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together. Then, toss in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to come together, and the sauce will thicken nicely. Stir occasionally to keep anything from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the sauce has finished simmering, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir it all together, making sure the spaghetti is well-coated with the sauce. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Dish up your Turkey Spaghetti, sprinkle with a bit of parmesan or fresh herbs if you like, and dig in!
