Linguine Turkey Bolognese
A hearty linguine dish featuring flavorful turkey bolognese with aromatic vegetables, red wine, and creamy half and half, perfect for comforting dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute olive oil, chopped celery, chopped carrot, chopped onion, and chopped garlic in a pan for about 5 minutes.
- Add ground turkey and cook until slightly browned.
- Pour in red wine and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add half and half and simmer until reduced, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in plum tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and chicken broth.
- Simmer, partially covered, for 1 hour.
- Serve the sauce over cooked linguine pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar alongside the red wine. If you don't have ground turkey, ground beef or chicken can be excellent substitutes. To boost the vegetable content, finely diced zucchini or bell peppers can be added during the sautéing process. For a lighter sauce, use low-fat half and half or substitute with a plant-based cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey Bolognese over freshly cooked linguine pasta, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider browsing more Italian recipes to enhance your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine Turkey Bolognese contains roughly 1081 calories, with 15g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (123% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1628mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for this Bolognese?
Absolutely! While ground turkey is a great lean option, ground beef, pork, or even a combination can be used for a more traditional flavor. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or a splash of water until you reach your preferred consistency. This will also help to enhance the flavors without diluting them.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground turkey with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).