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Creamy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese


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  • Author: sara
  • 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