Ground Turkey with Spaghetti

This cozy ground turkey with spaghetti is a lighter take on classic pasta night that skips the heaviness but never the comfort. I whip this up on hectic evenings when I want real food in a real hurry and it has become my go-to for a homestyle meal that pleases everyone at the table.

I first made this trying to use up some pantry staples and leftover turkey but it worked so well my whole family asked for a repeat so it quickly turned into a weeknight regular for us.

Ingredients

• Lean ground turkey: Makes the dish lighter without losing heartiness Look for 93 percent lean for tenderness and flavor
• White onion: Adds sweetness and depth Choose a firm onion with shiny skin
• Garlic powder: Easiest way to infuse garlicky goodness Use fresh garlic if you love extra punch
• Italian seasoning: Brings in all those herby Italian notes Go for a blend with oregano thyme and basil for best aroma
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for flavor Use freshly ground pepper if you can
• Jarred spaghetti sauce: Super convenient and keeps it saucy Pick your favorite brand or variety with no added sugar
• Water: Helps thin the sauce and capture every bit from the jar
• Spaghetti: Classic pasta shape for soaking up sauce Look for bronze cut pasta for a rustic chewy texture
• Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley For topping: Adds salty tang and a hit of freshness Use real block parmesan to grate for the best finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Aromatics:

Dice your white onion as finely as possible This will melt into the sauce for sweetness and texture

Brown the Turkey:

Place ground turkey and diced onion in a large skillet Sprinkle over garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper Break turkey into small pieces using a spoon and cook over medium heat until fully browned and no longer pink Stir often so it cooks evenly and onions soften This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes

Drain and Return:

If there is excess liquid carefully drain it off Return turkey onion mixture to the skillet so everything stays warm

Add Sauce and Water:

Pour jar of spaghetti sauce directly onto turkey mixture Add water to spaghetti sauce jar close the lid and give it a good shake to get every drop Pour that into the skillet too This prevents waste and keeps things saucy

Simmer:

Stir the mix well and bring just to a boil Lower heat to the lowest setting Cover and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes Stir every few minutes so nothing sticks Taste and add more seasonings if you like a stronger flavor

Cook Pasta:

While sauce is simmering bring a separate pot of well salted water to a boil Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente so it holds up in the sauce Drain well

Toss Together:

Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with turkey sauce Gently use tongs to toss together until spaghetti is thoroughly coated

Top and Serve:

Dish into bowls and scatter with parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil or parsley Serve immediately for peak flavor and coziness

Pin

My favorite thing is using fresh parmesan cheese right on top It has this nutty tang that makes the whole bowl pop My kids love helping grate it over the steaming hot noodles and it turns dinner into a fun little event

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days It reheats beautifully on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave For freezing let cool fully then spoon into a freezer safe bag and store up to three months I always make a double batch so I can stash some away for a busy night

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if you prefer For a vegetarian version try a plant based crumble or lentils Any long pasta shape works if you do not have spaghetti For extra veggies stir in baby spinach or chopped bell pepper with the onion

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this with a big salad and some garlic bread It is also delicious with steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini For a more classic Italian feel scatter with sliced black olives or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat

Pin

A Little Italian Inspiration

Spaghetti with meat sauce traces its roots to Italian American kitchens where stretching ingredients and feeding a crowd mattered most Using ground turkey is a modern twist and one my family has grown to love You get all the bold flavors of a traditional ragu without the hours at the stove

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?

Yes, ground chicken or lean ground beef work well and lend a similar texture and flavor to the dish.

→ Do I need to drain the turkey as it cooks?

If you notice excess liquid or fat after browning, drain it before adding the sauce for a better texture.

→ What type of spaghetti sauce is best?

Any tomato-based sauce works. Choose one with seasonings you enjoy, or use homemade for a personal touch.

→ How do I prevent the spaghetti from overcooking?

Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and quickly toss with the meat sauce to preserve its texture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for three months.