Rich and meaty turkey pasta sauce
Turkey Bolognese
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6
6 cups sauce
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Turkey Bolognese
Rich and meaty turkey pasta sauce
★4.5(20)
A lighter bolognese made with ground turkey that is still rich and deeply flavorful. Simmered with tomatoes, wine, and aromatic vegetables.
10m
Prep Time
45m
Cook Time
55m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This turkey bolognese proves you do not need beef for a rich, meaty pasta sauce. A long simmer with wine and tomatoes builds layers of deep flavor.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles. Cook until moisture evaporates and turkey starts to brown.
- 2
Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 6 minutes until softened.
- 3
Pour in wine and stir, scraping up browned bits. Cook until wine is nearly evaporated.
- 4
Add crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Season with salt and pepper. Toss with your favorite pasta and top with Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper
Substitutions
Ground turkeyGround chicken
Similar lean profile
White wineChicken broth
For an alcohol-free version
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Finely dice the vegetables (mirepoix) so they melt into the sauce.
A splash of milk at the end adds creaminess like traditional bolognese.
This sauce improves after a day in the fridge.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so save extra sauce if possible. Pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (80mg) · 6 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein26g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat22g
Fiber480mg
Sugar4g
Sodium8g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What pasta shape is best?
- Pappardelle or tagliatelle clings to this meaty sauce best.
- Can I skip the wine?
- Replace with chicken broth and a splash of vinegar.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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