Is Turkey Spaghetti Healthy? A Delicious and Nutritious Twist on a Classic

At times, we crave our preferred comfort foods but don’t want to consume the excess fat and calories that they usually entail. In the Midwest, where temperatures are rapidly dropping, spaghetti is one of those dishes that feels great after a chilly day. Adding a lot of vegetables to your spaghetti is the best way to make it lighter while still packing it full of nutrition. For the Healthy Parmesan Vegetable Turkey Spaghetti, I added in grated zucchini, carrots, mushrooms and onion. They not only bulk it up, they also add great flavor!.

To go along with the vegetables I browned some lean ground turkey for added protein. I am always hesitant to add another gadget to my drawer, but this is one of my absolute favorites, so if you don’t already have one, I highly recommend getting one! It makes such light work of chopping up ground meat.

This dish calls for a LOT of grated vegetables. I strongly advise pulling out your food processor or stand mixer if it has a grater attachment. If not, look at the bright side, it will be a nice arm workout. .

To complete the healthy dish, we are serving our vegetable and turkey marinara over whole grain spaghetti. At this point, you may be thinking that the recipe has been altered too much to make it healthier for your family to enjoy. That is not at all true! My parents and spouse enjoyed this dish when I served it to them, and they are quite fond of spaghetti with extra fat. My Mom commented that she didn’t even notice all the vegetables in the sauce.

We can’t forget about flavor even though we aiming to make a healthy recipe. That’s why you will want to add in the Parmesan. This will add a nice salty and nutty flavor to the otherwise super lean pasta sauce. You can certainly skip it, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Extra lean ground beef would also be a fantastic choice if you’re not a fan of turkey or can’t get it easily. I actually used Jennie-O’s Italian Seasoned Lean Ground Turkey for added flavor.

This makes a HUGE batch which is perfect for meal prep. Because my spouse and I have different preferences for pasta to sauce ratios, I like to keep the pasta and sauce separate when I store them in the refrigerator. If you are just wanting a single meal from this recipe, feel free to halve the recipe. Simply put, I think it would be easier to prepare a large batch given the effort required to shred the veggies and clean the food processor.

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti that still packs in flavor and satisfaction? Look no further than Turkey Spaghetti! This protein-rich dish is not only delicious but also incorporates hidden vegetables for a nutritious boost. Let’s dive into the world of Turkey Spaghetti and explore its health benefits, variations, and tips for making it a regular on your dinner table.

The Goodness of Turkey Spaghetti:

Packed with Protein: Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. This makes Turkey Spaghetti a perfect choice for active individuals and those seeking a filling and satisfying meal.
Hidden Veggie Power: This recipe cleverly incorporates grated zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms, adding extra nutrients and fiber without compromising on taste. These hidden veggies boost the overall nutritional value of the dish, making it a great way to sneak in extra servings of vegetables for picky eaters.
Whole Grain Goodness: Opting for whole-wheat spaghetti instead of refined pasta provides additional fiber, promoting healthy digestion and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Flavorful and Customizable: The versatility of Turkey Spaghetti allows for endless customization. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, and sauces to create your own unique and delicious variations.

Healthy Parmesan Vegetable Turkey Spaghetti: A Recipe for Success

This recipe from The Creative Bite takes Turkey Spaghetti to a whole new level by incorporating even more vegetables and using Parmesan cheese for a touch of savory richness Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and steps:

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground turkey (Italian seasoned preferred)
1 1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
2 large carrots
2 large zucchini
8 oz. mushrooms (cleaned and de-stemmed)
1 large onion (peeled)
2 24 oz jars spaghetti sauce
16 oz. whole wheat spaghetti
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Shred the vegetables: Using a food processor with a shredder attachment, shred the carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion.
Cook the ground turkey: In a deep skillet, add 1 Tbsp. olive oil and ground turkey. Cook over high heat, breaking it up into small crumbles, until there is no longer any pink.
Add the vegetables: Add the shredded vegetables to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Simmer with sauce: Add the jars of pasta sauce and stir until well mixed. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
Cook the spaghetti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with 2 Tbsp. olive oil.
Assemble and serve: Serve the turkey sauce over spaghetti noodles and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Making Turkey Spaghetti Even Healthier:

Use lean ground turkey: Opt for ground turkey with a higher percentage of lean meat to further reduce fat content.
Choose whole-wheat pasta: Whole-wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients compared to refined pasta.
Load up on vegetables: Feel free to add even more vegetables like chopped spinach, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes.
Control portion sizes: Be mindful of your portion size to manage calorie intake and maintain a balanced diet.
Experiment with different sauces: Try using homemade marinara sauce or explore other healthier sauce options like pesto or arrabbiata.

Turkey Spaghetti is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional spaghetti, offering a protein-packed meal with hidden vegetables. By incorporating whole-wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and various vegetables, you can create a nutritious and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. With its versatility and customization options, Turkey Spaghetti is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the goodness of this healthy and flavorful dish!

Healthy Parmesan Vegetable Turkey Spaghetti

1 lb. lean ground turkey Italian seasoned preferred
1 1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
2 large carrots
2 large zucchini
8 oz. mushrooms cleaned and de-stemmed
1 large onion peeled
2 24 oz jars spaghetti sauce
16 oz. whole wheat spaghetti
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Shred the onion, mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots in a food processor fitted with a shredder attachment. In an extra deep skillet, add 1 Tbsp. olive oil and ground turkey. Cook on high heat, crumbling into small pieces, until no longer pink.
Cook the shredded veggies in the pan for two to three minutes. When the pasta sauce jars are added, stir them thoroughly. Turn down to low, cover and simmer.
In the interim, heat up a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with 2 Tbsp. olive oil.
Garnish the turkey sauce with Parmesan cheese and serve it over spaghetti noodles.

Healthy Parmesan Vegetable Turkey Spaghetti is filled with hidden veggies, including grated zucchini, carrots, mushrooms and onions along with lean ground turkey. It is served over whole grain pasta for a light version of your favorite comfort food!

To go along with the vegetables I browned some lean ground turkey for added protein. If you don’t already own a Hamburger Meat Chopper, I highly recommend you get one! I am always hesitant to add another gadget to my drawer, but this is one of my absolute favorites. It makes such light work of chopping up ground meat.

If you aren’t fans of turkey, or it’s not readily available to you, extra lean ground beef would be a great option as well. I actually used Jennie-O’s Italian Seasoned Lean Ground Turkey for added flavor. Healthy Parmesan Vegetable Turkey Spaghetti

is turkey spaghetti healthy

Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Turkey Pasta in Under 10 Minutes

FAQ

How many calories are in turkey spaghetti?

Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 1 serving (294g)
How many calories are in turkey spaghetti? Amount of calories in turkey spaghetti: Calories 510	Calories from Fat 175.4 (34.4%)
	% Daily Value *
How much fat is in turkey spaghetti? Amount of fat in turkey spaghetti: Total Fat 19.5g	–

Is spaghetti with meat good for you?

Spaghetti and Meatballs Thanks to the iron and protein from the beef, lycopene from the tomato sauce and energy-producing carbs from the pasta, this dish a healthy trifecta. If you stick to modest portions and lean beef, you can enjoy its benefits without overdoing it.

Which pasta is healthy?

Whole-Wheat Pasta Also called whole-grain pasta, this type of pasta keeps the bran, endosperm, and germ of the grain together. It’s filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This helps you feel full longer and keeps your blood sugar from spiking. It also has a little over 8 grams of protein per cup cooked.

Is ground turkey spaghetti healthy?

Meaty and delicious, this healthy ground turkey spaghetti is a delicious cozy comfort food meal perfect for any busy weeknight. Lightened up with a meat sauce made of ground turkey then cooked in a savory sauce this simple pasta is cooked all in one pot for a fast and easy dinner. Everyone will love this great recipe. Don’t lose this recipe!

Is spaghetti good for health?

Spaghetti is nothing but of whole grain pasta. Whole grain pasta will provide more health benefits, helps to protect you from against certain kids of cancer, especially stomach and colon cancer. Pasta is high in carbs, which can be bad for you when consumed in large quantity. It also contains gluten, a type of protein that causes issues for those who are gluten sensitive.

What is ground turkey spaghetti?

This ground turkey pasta is a lazy Sunday sauce that simmers and fills the house with the aroma of a delicious homemade meal that the whole family (even the picky eaters!) will love. I’ve tried one pot spaghetti and have several recipes using jarred tomato sauces which all have their time and place but nothing compares to this turkey spaghetti.

What is quick & easy Turkey spaghetti?

Please read our disclosure policy. Quick & easy turkey spaghetti is a deliciously lighter take on the traditional version. We substitute ground turkey in the typical meat sauce and pair it with tender al dente noodles and a tangy red sauce for a meal everyone will love. Spaghetti in general is such an easy recipe.