Why You’ll Love Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
This recipe is quick, filling, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Ground turkey keeps the sauce lighter than traditional beef-based sauces while still delivering plenty of flavor. The sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti and makes an easy family-friendly meal that is great for leftovers too.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 cup chicken broth
1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon sugar, optional
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
8 ounces dry spaghetti noodles
Salt, to taste
Chopped fresh basil
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground turkey and cook until browned and crumbled.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the Italian seasoning and cook until fragrant.
Pour in the red wine vinegar and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
Add the chicken broth, marinara sauce, sugar if using, and black pepper to taste. Stir until fully combined. Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente.
Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Add about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and toss well to combine. Let the pasta sit for 3 to 5 minutes so it can absorb some of the sauce.
Serve warm topped with chopped fresh basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Swap the spaghetti for penne, linguine, or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Add chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
For a spicy kick, stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a slightly different flavor.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?
Ground turkey is generally leaner and lower in saturated fat, especially when using 93/7 turkey.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade marinara works perfectly in this recipe.
Why add pasta water to the sauce?
Pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and creates a smoother texture.
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Yes. Whole wheat spaghetti is a great option for extra fiber and nutrition.
What does red wine vinegar do in the sauce?
It adds acidity and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the marinara sauce.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
How do I keep the turkey moist?
Avoid overcooking the turkey and let it simmer gently in the sauce for the best texture.
Can I add cheese directly to the sauce?
Yes. Parmesan or mozzarella can be stirred into the sauce for extra richness.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully with this dish.
Conclusion
This ground turkey spaghetti sauce is a simple and delicious meal that combines hearty pasta with a flavorful homemade-style sauce. Easy enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough for the whole family, it is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
