Healthy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese Recipe
A healthy and flavorful Turkey Bolognese that combines lean ground turkey with a creamy cottage cheese and marinara sauce, enhanced by Italian seasonings and fresh basil. This nutritious twist on a classic Italian dish is perfect served over your favorite pasta, offering a protein-packed and lower-fat alternative to traditional Bolognese sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Cheese
- 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
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent, releasing its sweetness and softening.
- Add Garlic and Crushed Red Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper, sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil with flavor.
- Cook Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the pan. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Break the turkey into small crumbles using a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is lightly browned, opaque, and cooked through.
- Blend Cottage Cheese and Marinara: While the turkey cooks, combine the low-fat cottage cheese and marinara sauce in a blender. Blend until completely smooth to create a creamy, protein-rich sauce base.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the pan with the browned turkey. Stir in the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until thoroughly heated and flavors meld together.
- Serve: Spoon the Healthy Turkey Bolognese over cooked pasta of your choice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious meal!
Notes
- For a smoother sauce texture, fully blend the cottage cheese and marinara until no lumps remain.
- Use lean ground turkey (93% or higher) for the best health benefits and minimal grease.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper amount to control spiciness according to your preference.
- This sauce can also be served over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Turkey Bolognese, Healthy Bolognese, Cottage Cheese Sauce, Lean Ground Turkey, Italian Dinner, Low Fat Dinner, Protein Rich Pasta Sauce
