If you’re craving a comforting, rich, yet lighter twist on a classic Italian favorite, this Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe is exactly the dish to bring everyone to the table with smiles. The lean ground turkey forms a silky, flavorful sauce packed with aromatic veggies and a harmonious blend of tomatoes, all rounded out beautifully by the creamy touch of half and half. Topped with freshly shredded Parmesan and bright ribbons of basil, this dish offers a satisfying depth of taste while remaining refreshingly vibrant and wholesome. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, crave-worthy meal that warms your heart and fills your belly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays an important role—whether it’s the sweet crunch of the diced carrots, the aromatic basil ribbons, or the creamy richness from the Parmesan cheese—making the overall dish irresistibly balanced.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a fragrant and silky base for the vegetables and meat to sauté in.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens and caramelizes.
- Diced carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and beautiful texture contrast.
- Diced celery: Offers a mild savory undertone and noticeable crunch.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish, making sure nothing tastes flat.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balances the sweetness of veggies and tomatoes.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that carries the heart of the dish, soaking up all the flavors.
- Minced garlic: Brings depth and a wonderfully aromatic punch.
- Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that amplify the classic Bolognese taste.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide a rich, smooth tomato base that envelops the turkey.
- Diced tomatoes: Add a slightly chunky texture for more interest in every bite.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Half and half: Offers creamy richness that softens acidity and adds smoothness.
- Spaghetti: The perfect pasta canvas to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Shredded fresh for a salty, nutty finish that melts gorgeously on top.
- Fresh basil: Cut into vibrant ribbons (chiffonade) for a refreshing herbal brightness.
How to Make Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Start by peeling and dicing your onion, carrots, and celery finely and evenly to make sure they cook uniformly, creating a perfect base where every bite delivers balanced flavor and texture. Preparing your garlic as minced will ensure it infuses the dish without overpowering it.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies soften and start to release their sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute, until its aroma fills your kitchen—this is where the magic begins! Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and that fragrant Italian seasoning to build a flavorful foundation.
Step 3: Brown the Turkey
Add your ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with your spoon to ensure it browns evenly. Cooking it until it’s beautifully browned and nearly cooked through develops a savory richness that is key to a stellar Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Creaminess
Now stir in crushed and diced tomatoes alongside the tomato paste—each element contributes different textures and layers of tomato flavor. Pour in the half and half to introduce that creamy, comforting note which balances all the acidity from the tomatoes flawlessly.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
Bring everything just to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors marry and the sauce thicken slightly. Remember to stir occasionally and taste for seasoning, adjusting with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Cook and Combine Pasta
While your sauce is bubbling away, cook spaghetti in plenty of salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Save a small cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the noodles. Toss the drained spaghetti directly into the simmering sauce and mix it well. If the sauce feels too thick or dry, a splash of that reserved pasta water will bring everything together perfectly.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Dish out comforting bowls of your hearty Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe, generously topping each serving with freshly shredded Parmesan and vibrant basil ribbons for that final fresh, aromatic burst. This last touch transforms a simple plate into a feast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and chiffonade of basil are the quintessential garnishes that bring brightness and a delightful savory kick. You can sprinkle extra grated Parmesan at the table to let everyone customize their bowl just how they like it. For an added touch, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can bring warmth and complexity.
Side Dishes
This dish is a robust meal on its own, but pairing Turkey Bolognese with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness wonderfully. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf also complements the sauce, perfect for mopping up every last delicious drop. Roasted or steamed green veggies like asparagus or broccoli offer a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the sauce over polenta or grilled zucchini ribbons instead of spaghetti to introduce new textures. You can also turn the leftovers into a baked pasta casserole, layering the sauce with noodles and cheese for a cozy comfort dish. Pasta nests topped with basil and a Parmesan crisp make an elegant presentation for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Saving leftovers means you have a ready-made, flavorful meal waiting after a busy day—a true time-saver that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further.
Freezing
This sauce freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect candidate for batch cooking. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for convenient, delicious meals anytime you crave it.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a touch of water or half and half to bring the sauce back to its luscious consistency. For microwave use, heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the turkey, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative that will provide a similar lean texture and mild flavor. Just follow the same cooking steps for best results.
Is it necessary to use half and half, or can I substitute with something else?
You can substitute half and half with whole milk or even a splash of cream if you want a richer sauce. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or cashew cream can work but will subtly change the flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper during the simmering stage. Fresh chili peppers finely chopped can also give a vibrant spicy lift.
What type of pasta pairs best with Turkey Bolognese?
Traditional spaghetti works perfectly, but other pasta shapes like pappardelle, fettuccine, or rigatoni also complement the hearty sauce well because they hold the sauce on their surface or inside well.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta later?
Yes, making the sauce ahead is ideal and helps develop richer flavors. Just reheat the sauce gently before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta to maintain perfect texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a beloved staple because it’s flavorful, wholesome, and surprisingly easy to make. With its beautiful balance of lean protein, fresh herbs, and indulgent creaminess, you’re going to love sharing this hearty meal with family and friends again and again. So grab your pot and get ready to enjoy a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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Turkey Bolognese with Parmesan and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting Turkey Bolognese recipe featuring a rich tomato sauce with ground turkey, aromatic vegetables, and Italian seasoning, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a healthier take on the classic Italian favorite, delivering hearty flavor with lean protein.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion, finely diced)
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 3 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced)
- 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks, finely diced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup half and half (can use whole milk)
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 lb spaghetti
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons (chiffonade)
Instructions
- Get Prepped: Peel and dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking and texture in the sauce.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, mixing thoroughly to coat the vegetables.
- Add the Turkey and Tomatoes: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and half and half (or whole milk). Mix well to combine all ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the simmering sauce and toss together to coat the noodles thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the pasta and sauce among serving bowls. Top each portion with shredded parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use ground turkey breast for a leaner option.
- Half and half can be substituted with whole milk for a lighter sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency when mixing with pasta.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances the flavor more than pre-shredded.
- Italian seasoning can be replaced with a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if unavailable.
