Creamy Turkey Bolognese with Cottage Cheese

Sauté the Aromatics

Notes: Sautéing the onion and garlic builds a deep, rich base for the sauce. The crushed red pepper is optional but recommended for a little kick.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)

3 large cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Instructions

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large sauté pan.

Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slightly translucent.

Add garlic and crushed red pepper, saute for another 2-3 minutes.

Cook the Turkey

Notes: Using 93/7 ground turkey is recommended as the little bit of fat adds more moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Add ground turkey to the pan, along with a healthy pinch of salt and pepper.

Break the turkey down into crumbles while cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned, opaque and cooked through.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Notes: Blending the cottage cheese with the marinara creates a rich and creamy sauce without using heavy cream. The blended sauce will look a lot like vodka sauce.

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce

Instructions

While the turkey is browning, combine the cottage cheese and marinara in a blender.

Blend until smooth.

Combine and Simmer

Notes: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Pour the cottage cheese sauce in with the turkey.

Season with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.

Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Serving and Storage

Notes: To thin the sauce, you can add 1/2-1 cup of pasta water. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Ingredients

1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn

grated parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.

Garnish with fresh basil and some more grated cheese.

Enjoy!