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Turkey bolognese with cottage cheese over pasta.
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5 from 4 votes

Healthy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese

Healthy Turkey Bolognese Sauce with Cottage Cheese is a rich, creamy, protein-packed pasta sauce that is family-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights. It also makes excellent leftovers, so add this to your weekend meal prep menu! Serve over spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or lentil pasta for a delicious, nutrient-dense meal that delivers 26 grams of protein and plenty of fiber.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 192kcal
Author: Dani Spies

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 + more for topping
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 (24 oz) jar of 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

  • Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan. Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly translucent.
    Sautéing onion in a pan.
  • Add garlic and crushed red pepper, saute for another 2-3 minutes.
    Sautéing onion and garlic in a large pot.
  • Add ground turkey to pan, along with a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Break the turkey down into crumbles while cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned, opaque and cooked through.
    Ground turkey browned in a pot.
  • While the turkey is browning, combine the cottage cheese and marinara in a blender and blend until smooth.
    Creamy sauce in a blender.
  • Pour the cottage cheese sauce in with the turkey and season with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
    Turkey bolognese with cottage cheese simmering in a pot.
  • Serve over pasta* with fresh basil and some more grated cheese. Enjoy!
    Turkey bolognese served over pasta on a white plate.

Video

Notes

Turkey bolognese with cottage cheese stores well making it great for meal prep!
    • In the refrigerator: When completely cool, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
    • To reheat: Rewarm leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You may need broth, water, or milk to thin the sauce.
    • You can serve this turkey bolognese over various noodle options! Choose a lentil or chickpea pasta for even more protein and a good fiber boost. Or kick up the veggies and serve your pasta sauce over zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) or roasted spaghetti squash for a high-protein, low-carb dinner.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 829mg | Potassium: 638mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 663IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 2mg