Sautéed Ground Turkey with Tomato Sauce over Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, low-carb alternative to pasta featuring lean ground turkey simmered in a savory tomato sauce and served over zucchini noodles for a satisfying meal. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 35 minutes pairs Ground turkey, Zucchini, spiralized, Tomato sauce (no sugar added) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 oz ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Stir in 3/4 cup no-sugar-added tomato sauce, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, cook 2 medium spiralized zucchini noodles in a separate skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain any excess liquid. Divide noodles among plates, top with turkey sauce, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ground Turkey with Tomato Sauce over Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Ground Turkey with Tomato Sauce over Zucchini Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ground Turkey with Tomato Sauce over Zucchini Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Ground Turkey with Tomato Sauce over Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Ground Turkey with Tomato Sauce over Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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