Zucchini Noodle Bolognese with Ground Turkey

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

A keto-friendly twist on classic pasta, featuring zucchini noodles and a savory turkey tomato sauce. This Italian-inspired keto recipe (low-carb), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs zucchini, ground turkey, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add diced onion and cook 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon; cook 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Add 14 oz diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer; cook uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: While sauce simmers, cook spiralized zucchini noodles in a separate skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm, stirring occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Combine zucchini noodles and sauce in the skillet; toss gently to coat, cooking 2 minutes more.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Bolognese with Ground Turkey take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Zucchini Noodle Bolognese with Ground Turkey?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Bolognese with Ground Turkey?

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 Zucchini Noodle Bolognese with Ground Turkey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Zucchini Noodle Bolognese with Ground Turkey keto?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes