Get ready to transform your pasta night with a shockingly delicious twist that combines the hearty comfort of a classic bolognese with the unexpected magic of pumpkin! This "Kinda Healthy Pumpkin Bolognese" is not just another pasta recipe - it's a game-changing meal that sneaks in extra nutrition while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for those looking to jazz up their weeknight dinners with a recipe that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, this dish will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta of choice
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and measuring out the spices before beginning cooking.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add ground turkey to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned turkey, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for approximately 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- While sauce is simmering, cook pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta and return to pot, then pour the pumpkin bolognese sauce over the pasta, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For the most flavorful sauce, take your time browning the ground turkey - those caramelized bits mean serious flavor!
- Use fresh garlic if possible, as it provides a more robust taste compared to pre-minced versions.
- Don't rush the simmering process - letting the sauce cook slowly helps blend the spices and develop a rich, deep flavor.
- If you want to make the dish even healthier, try using whole wheat pasta or a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles.
- Make extra sauce and freeze it for quick future meals - this bolognese actually tastes even better the next day!
- For a creamy texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different ground meats like chicken or lean beef if turkey isn't your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
