This creamy turkey bolognese with cottage cheese is a lighter, protein-packed alternative to traditional pasta sauces. It combines the richness of lean turkey with the creaminess of cottage cheese for a healthy, flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: The combination of lean ground turkey and cottage cheese provides a substantial protein boost to keep you satisfied.
- Rich & Creamy: You’ll enjoy a smooth, creamy sauce without the heavy cream, thanks to cottage cheese.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This recipe holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
- Lean ground turkey
- Parmesan cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
Directions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan.
- Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly translucent. Add garlic and crushed red pepper (if using), and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While the turkey is cooking, blend the cottage cheese and marinara sauce until smooth.
- Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce over the turkey. Stir in Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted spaghetti squash. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Meat options: Try substituting ground chicken, lean beef, or bison for the turkey.
- Cottage cheese: You can adjust the richness of the sauce by using full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free cottage cheese.
- Spice levels: For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes! This sauce works well with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or even lentil pasta.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bolognese sauce is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
3. Is there a substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe?
You could use ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and omit the Parmesan.
5. What can I serve this bolognese with besides pasta?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a lighter meal.
6. How can I make this sauce spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
7. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly! Look for one without added sugar or preservatives.
8. What is the best ground turkey to use?
Choose 93/7 ground turkey for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
9. Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes very well! Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.
10. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
While pre-shredded Parmesan can be used, freshly grated Parmesan will enhance the flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This creamy turkey bolognese with cottage cheese is a deliciously healthy option for a weeknight dinner. With its high-protein, creamy texture and versatility in serving, it’s a dish your whole family will love. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy!
Print
Creamy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Creamy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese is a lighter, protein-packed alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Combining lean turkey with creamy cottage cheese, it delivers a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a healthy, quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Add garlic and crushed red pepper (if using), and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
-
Cook the Turkey:
- Add ground turkey to the pan, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
-
Prepare the Cottage Cheese Sauce:
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese and marinara sauce, and blend until smooth.
-
Combine & Simmer:
- Pour the cottage cheese sauce over the turkey.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
-
Serve:
- Serve over your choice of pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted spaghetti squash.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Meat Options: You can substitute ground chicken, lean beef, or bison for the turkey.
- Cottage Cheese: Adjust the richness of the sauce by using full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free cottage cheese.
- Spice Levels: Omit crushed red pepper for a milder dish.
- Meal Prep: This sauce works wonderfully for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- Freezing: The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
