Q1: What can I use if I don't have a spiralizer for making zucchini noodles?

If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use alternative methods to create zucchini noodles. A julienne peeler works well to create long, thin strips, or you can use a sharp chef's knife to carefully slice the zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips. As noted in Step 1, the key is to salt and drain the zucchini to remove excess moisture, so whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the instruction of letting the zucchini sit in a colander with salt for 10 minutes and then patting dry with paper towels.

Q2: How can I tell if the ground turkey is fully cooked?

In Step 3, the recipe indicates the turkey should cook for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. To ensure food safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should be completely opaque and have no pink or translucent areas. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking to ensure even heat distribution and thorough cooking.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't contain any wheat-based ingredients. The zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta, and the other ingredients like ground turkey, tomatoes, and herbs are all gluten-free. Just double-check that your tomato paste and crushed tomatoes are certified gluten-free, as some brands might have additives. For those following the Optavia diet, this recipe already aligns with their guidelines.

Q4: What if I want to make this vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground turkey with a plant-based alternative like crumbled firm tofu, lentils, or a meat substitute like Beyond or Impossible ground 'meat'. You'll want to adjust the cooking time in Step 3 accordingly - lentils might need more simmering time, while plant-based crumbles cook quickly. The rest of the recipe's steps remain the same, ensuring you still get a flavorful, protein-rich bolognese sauce over zucchini noodles.

Zucchini Noodle Turkey Bolognese

This Zucchini Noodle Turkey Bolognese transforms the classic Italian comfort food into a lean, nutrient-dense meal that perfectly aligns with Optavia's Lean & Green guidelines. By replacing traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, you'll enjoy all the satisfaction of a hearty bolognese without the heavy carbohydrates, while the lean ground turkey provides the protein foundation your body needs.

The sauce itself is a beautiful marriage of savory ground turkey, aromatic garlic and onions, and rich tomato flavor enhanced with Italian herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the dish from simple weeknight dinner to restaurant-quality fare. Each bite delivers the comforting warmth of traditional bolognese while keeping you firmly on track with your nutritional goals.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to satisfy pasta cravings without compromise. The zucchini noodles provide a tender, slightly al dente texture that holds the robust sauce beautifully, while contributing additional vegetables to your meal. At under 300 calories per generous serving and packed with over 30 grams of protein, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Perfect for meal prep, this bolognese actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare the sauce in advance and simply spiralize fresh zucchini when you're ready to eat, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal on the table quickly.

Mia

Recipe Author: Welcome to Mia's Kitchen, where every recipe is plant-forward, anti-inflammatory, and full of flavor. Her meals make it easy to eat well, support gut health, and enjoy balanced, wholesome cooking at home.

Nutrition

35 minutes

None servings

285 calories

Fat 9.50g

Carbs 16.00g

Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

4 medium	zucchini, spiralized into noodles
1.5 lbs	lean ground turkey, 93% lean or higher
1 medium	yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves	garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz)	crushed tomatoes, no sugar added
2 tbsp	tomato paste
1 tsp	dried oregano
1 tsp	dried basil
1/4 cup	fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp	salt
1/2 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tsp	red pepper flakes (optional)
as needed None	cooking spray, non-stick

Equipment

Wooden spoon

Cutting board

measuring spoons

paper towels

chef's knife

can opener

colander

spiralizer

second large skillet

large skillet or sauté pan

Ancestral Diet

Fully compliant with Ancestral Diet guidelines by using grass-fed ground turkey, vegetables, and healthy fats, while completely avoiding grains, legumes, and processed ingredients. The zucchini noodles provide a hunter-gatherer-friendly alternative to pasta.

Clean Eating

Perfectly embodies clean eating principles with whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh ground turkey, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs. The recipe avoids refined sugars, artificial additives, and focuses on nutrient-dense, recognizable whole foods.

Ketogenic Diet

Perfectly aligned with keto requirements, this recipe uses zucchini noodles as a low-carb pasta replacement, contains lean ground turkey for protein, and features minimal carbohydrates. The high protein and low net carb content make it an ideal ketogenic meal.

Low-Carb Diet

An excellent low-carb option that replaces traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini, keeping net carbohydrates extremely low while providing satisfying protein and flavor from the turkey and tomato-based sauce.

Optavia

Perfectly aligns with Optavia's Lean & Green guidelines, featuring lean ground turkey, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and a low-calorie preparation that supports the diet's nutritional principles of high protein and low complex carbohydrates.

Paleo Diet

This recipe meets Paleo requirements by using whole, unprocessed ingredients like ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and herbs, while avoiding grains, legumes, and dairy. The zucchini noodles provide a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta.

Instructions

Spiralize the zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and lightly salt them, then let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels before using.

12 min

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray.

2 min

8 min

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up any large chunks, until the turkey is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

4 min

Add the diced onion to the pan with the turkey and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softened.

1 min

Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.

2 min

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly and becomes aromatic.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

1 min

12 min

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

3 min

While the sauce simmers, heat a separate large skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Add the dried zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until just tender but still slightly firm.

Remove the bolognese sauce from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil.

Divide the zucchini noodles among four plates or shallow bowls. Top each portion with an equal amount of turkey bolognese sauce.

1 min

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.

Zucchini Noodle Turkey Bolognese

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Ancestral Diet

Clean Eating

Ketogenic Diet

Low-Carb Diet

Optavia

Paleo Diet

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What can I use if I don't have a spiralizer for making zucchini noodles?

Q2: How can I tell if the ground turkey is fully cooked?

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Q4: What if I want to make this vegetarian?