Name: Healthy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (preferably Rao’s); 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup); 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 pound lean ground turkey; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Healthy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese is a lighter twist on a classic favorite. Packed with lean protein and creamy cottage cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

A white speckled bowl holds a bed of pale yellow spiral pasta as the bottom layer, topped with a thick, chunky orange-red sauce that appears creamy with a rough texture. Green torn basil leaves are scattered on the surface, along with small white shreds of cheese and red pepper flakes. A silver fork rests on the left side of the bowl, partly on the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small wooden bowl of red pepper flakes nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (I like Rao’s)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly translucent.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper, then sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break the turkey into crumbles while cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned, opaque, and cooked through.
Step 4: While the turkey is cooking, combine the cottage cheese and marinara sauce in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the pan with the turkey. Stir in Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, then garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lower-carb option, serve this bolognese over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of chili flakes.
To make it vegetarian, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
Using fresh parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will give a richer flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white speckled bowl filled with three layers: at the bottom is a layer of yellow spiral pasta filling the bowl, the middle layer is a thick orange creamy sauce with a slightly chunky texture spread over the pasta, and the top layer is garnished with thin slices of green basil leaves and a light sprinkle of grated cheese. On the left side of the bowl, a silver fork rests partially inside the pasta layer. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a small wooden bowl of red chili flakes nearby and a striped cloth partially visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork depending on your preference. Keep in mind that fattier meats may change the dish’s calorie content.

Is it necessary to blend the cottage cheese and marinara sauce?

Blending helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that blends well with the turkey. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip blending and simply stir the cottage cheese into the marinara sauce.