Heart-Healthy Turkey Bolognese

Savor every bite of this Heart-Healthy Turkey Bolognese, a guilt-free twist on the classic Italian favorite! Made with lean ground turkey, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and a light yet flavorful tomato-based sauce, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a wholesome, low-fat meal. The addition of nutrient-packed spinach or kale (optional) boosts its nutritional profile, while hearty whole-grain or legume-based pasta provides fiber-rich goodness. With simple pantry staples like oregano, basil, and a touch of olive oil, this bolognese is brimming with bold, comforting flavors without added sodium or saturated fats. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s as heart-healthy as it is delicious. Serve it up with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a dish that’s equal parts satisfying and nourishing!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
• 28 ounces unsalted crushed tomatoes, canned
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (optional, optional to taste for heart-specific diets)
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional, for added nutrients)
• 12 ounces whole-grain spaghetti or legume-based pasta
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink and is well-browned.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Step 8

If using baby spinach or kale, stir it into the sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.

Step 9

Meanwhile, cook the whole-grain or legume-based pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 10

Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2453.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1839.9

Total Fat 71.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 325.5mg	0%
Sodium 1627.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.6g	0%
Total Sugars 41.3g
Protein 140.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 691.8mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 5371.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.3%

Protein: 30.1%

Carbs: 35.6%