Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti
Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti is a delicious and wholesome twist on the classic spaghetti dish. With a perfect blend of ground turkey and Italian sausage, this recipe brings out the rich flavors of traditional Italian cuisine while keeping it lighter and healthier. Packed with savory tomatoes and a medley of herbs, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also warms your heart. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this spaghetti recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Reasons to Love Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti. Here are just a few:
- Healthier Option: Using ground turkey and Italian sausage reduces the fat content while still delivering on flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of tomatoes, herbs, and spices creates a rich sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
- Family Friendly: With its comforting flavors, this meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
What Goes Into Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti
To create this mouthwatering Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein that forms the base of the sauce.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage: Adds a savory depth of flavor and a bit of spice.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and aromatic qualities.
- 2 cans tomato sauce (15 ounces each): The main ingredient for creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Adds a smoky element and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 can Italian-style diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Infused with herbs, these tomatoes add extra seasoning.
- 1 can tomato paste (6 ounces): Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authenticity to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: For that irresistible garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A must-have herb in Italian cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Adds a subtle earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the tomato base wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen gear on hand:
- Large pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
- Skillet or large saucepan: To cook the meat and sauce.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce and breaking up the meat.
- Colander: To drain the spaghetti once it’s cooked.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate measurements of spices and sugar.
- Chef’s knife: For chopping the onion and any additional vegetables.
Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti: How It’s Done
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your own Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 16 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground turkey and 1/2 pound of Italian sausage. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
To the browned meat, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Next, stir in the 2 cans of tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and Italian-style diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add the tomato paste, dried Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, salt, oregano, thyme, basil, and white sugar. Stir the mixture well, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked spaghetti in the skillet with the sauce, ensuring that every strand is coated with the delicious mixture. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan if desired.
Quick Replacement Ideas
If you’re missing some ingredients or want to make substitutions, consider the following options:
- Ground turkey: You can use ground chicken or lean beef as an alternative.
- Italian sausage: Substitute with turkey sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.
- Tomato sauce: Use homemade marinara or any preferred pasta sauce.
- Onion: Shallots or leeks can work in a pinch.
Errors to Dodge
To ensure your Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Skipping the seasoning: Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful sauce. Don’t be shy with the herbs!
- Overcooking the spaghetti: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
- Not letting the sauce simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps to develop the flavors.
- Skipping the sugar: A little sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Prep Ahead & Store
If you want to save time, here’s how to prep ahead and store your Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti:
Cook the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop while the spaghetti cooks. For best results, cook the spaghetti fresh each time.
Popular Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground turkey and Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives or simply use more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to create a hearty sauce.
What can I serve with Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti?
This spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for added flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce as it simmers for extra nutrition and flavor.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe dish until heated through.
Serve with These
To enhance your meal experience, consider serving your Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti with:
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy side that’s perfect for mopping up sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add more color and nutrients to your plate.
- Italian Dressing: A tangy dressing to drizzle over your side salad.
Hungry for More?
If you enjoyed this recipe for Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti, be sure to check out more delicious dishes on our blog! From savory to sweet, we’ve got a variety of recipes that will inspire your next meal. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or decadent desserts, your culinary adventures are just a click away.
Indulging in Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it also brings the warm, comforting flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the cooking begin!
Italian Style Ground Turkey Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and Italian sausage. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- To the browned meat, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Next, stir in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and Italian-style diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
- Add the tomato paste, dried Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, salt, oregano, thyme, basil, and white sugar. Stir the mixture well, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked spaghetti in the skillet with the sauce, ensuring that every strand is coated with the delicious mixture. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Cook the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the sauce for up to three months.
- For best results, cook the spaghetti fresh each time.
