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Burrata Turkey Bolognese Pasta

Not your typical Bolognese, this Burrata Turkey Bolognese Pasta blends unconventional ingredients like burrata and asparagus with the lean goodness of turkey. Ideal for a satisfying, protein-rich meal.

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Easy Turkey Bolognese

This Burrata Turkey Bolognese Pasta is the perfect blend of traditional comfort with a refreshing twist. I steered a little in a different direction from the traditional bolognese sauce with this recipe as blood sugar has been top of my mind and I wanted to create a recipe that supports that.

This recipe is a creative meld of homemade sauce, luxurious burrata, and crisp asparagus. Designed with nutritional balance in mind, it provides ample protein, fibre, and healthy fats, which are crucial for maintaining blood sugar levels and overall well-being during the lively spring months.

Crafted during a burst of inspiration, this Burrata Turkey Bolognese Pasta is far from your average pasta dish. It uniquely pairs lean, protein-rich turkey with the creamy textures of burrata and the vibrant, freshness of asparagus. This concoction is not just about indulging in good food—it’s about enriching your meal with quality ingredients that support a healthy lifestyle.

It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to refresh their meal repertoire with something that’s both wholesome and hearty. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a more elaborate gathering, this Burrata Turkey Bolognese Pasta will bring a touch of delight to your table, promising a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and good health.

Ingredients for Turkey Bolognese

  • Lean Ground Turkey: The star of this recipe, lean ground turkey is a stellar source of lean protein that helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you satiated, crucial for blood sugar management. It’s a healthier alternative to red meat and still delivers a satisfying depth of flavour.
  • Asparagus: Adored for its ability to pack so many health benefits; asparagus is packed with fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K. It adds a lovely crisp to this salad and helps balance any diet.
  • Curly Kale: This nutrient-dense green is loaded with vitamins A, K, C, and manganese. It’s also a great source of dietary fibre and antioxidants, supporting heart health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. I love the element of pepperiness it brings to the dish and it holds its structure a little better than spinach but that would also be a great option for this recipe.
  • Homemade Tomato Sauce: Using homemade tomato sauce ensures control over ingredients and avoids added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought versions. Tomatoes are a fantastic source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K, all essential for heart health. I love making tomato sauce and if you’ve never done it, I highly recommend it because it’s much easier than you’d think and it’s a very fulfilling process!
  • Burrata: While indulgent, burrata also adds a wonderful creaminess to the dish. It’s rich in protein and calcium, which are crucial for bone health. We all need a little something, something and burrata will happily be that something.
  • Whole Grain Gluten Free Farfalle: Chosen for its higher fibre content compared to traditional pasta, it helps in managing blood sugar levels, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste or texture. Any pasta will work for this recipe. I used Jovial pasta for this recipe
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Chili Flakes: Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that enhances the absorption of vitamins, while chili flakes add a subtle metabolism-boosting heat.
  • Garlic & Onion: These aromatics are not just for flavour, they are also packed with nutritional benefits and vitamins.
  • Parmigiano Cheese: Adds a rich umami flavor with much less fat compared to other cheeses, and its a good source of protein and calcium.

What is Bolognese Exactly?

Traditionally, a classic bolognese sauce is a slow-cooked Italian sauce including a meat base. Bolognese is from Bologna, Italy and is a slow-cooked sauce that often includes ground beef, often simmered with a soffritto of onions, carrots, and celery, and then married with tomatoes and a splash of wine. This version simplifies and lightens the traditional recipe by using turkey and fresh vegetables like asparagus and kale, maintaining the heart of the classic recipe.

How to Make Turkey Bolognese Sauce

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, but keep an eye on the cooking time some brands suggest longer than necessary. Aim for the pasta to be al dente, adjusting the time as needed for your texture preference. Before draining, don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water for later use in the sauce.

Once your pasta is on its way, heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and diced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the ground turkey. Use tongs to break the turkey into small pieces, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until the turkey is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Follow by adding chopped asparagus and kale to the pan, stirring to ensure they’re well coated. If the mixture appears too dry, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the vegetables cook evenly, sauteeing until the asparagus is tender and the kale has softened.

The final touches come as you stir in the homemade tomato sauce, allowing it to come to a gentle bubble before reducing the heat to simmer. Let the sauce meld with the flavours by simmering for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Introduce the cooked pasta into the pan, tossing it well to ensure even coverage with the sauce. To finish, break the burrata over the pasta, gently stirring to mix as the cheese melts into a gooey, stringy delight. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal. Feel free to top with grated parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil.

Can I Freeze Turkey Bolognese Sauce?

Yes, you can and actually it’s a wonderful idea for meal prepping. This turkey bolognese recipe freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option on busy nights. Simply let the sauce cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers and skip adding the pasta – cooking that fresh will be best.

Best Way to Serve Bolognese

I love serving my healthy turkey bolognese with pasta of course. If you’re opting for a pasta free meal you could consider a large salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. 

If you love Bolognese, you’re going to love these other delicious recipes:

Simply Pasta Spaghetti Alla Norma

Vegan Cacio e Pepe Pasta

Gluten Free Green Goddess Pesto Pasta

TERI ANN CARTY

Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada. 

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Burrata Turkey Bolognese Pasta

Teri-Ann Carty
Not your typical Bolognese, this Burrata Turkey Bolognese Pasta blends unconventional ingredients like burrata and asparagus with the lean goodness of turkey. Ideal for a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine Canadian, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • large pasta pot, large deep sided pan, stovetop

Ingredients
  

  • 400 grams gluten free farfalle
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pinch chili flakes
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 10 spears asparagus trimmed and chopped
  • 2 fistfuls curly kale cavolo nero would work wonderfully too
  • 4 cups homemade tomato sauce
  • 2 small balls burrata drained
  • ½ cup pasta water
  • grated parmigiano
  • sea salt and cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta according to package. Be aware, some brands add too much cook time to their instructions. Cook to your desired doneness. Reserve pasta water before draining.
  • Heat pan over medium high heat. Add oil, chili flakes and onion. Saute onion for several minutes until translucent.
  • Add turkey to the pan. Break up turkey with tongs. Season with salt and pepper. Add in garlic. Cook until no pink remains.
  • Add in chopped asparagus and kale. Stir to coat kale and asparagus. Add a splash of pasta water if mixture seems too dry. Saute until asparagus is tender and kale starts to soften.
  • Stir in tomato sauce. Bring to a bubble, then reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add in cooked pasta and toss to combine.
  • Break burrata balls over the pasta and gently stir to combine. Once the cheese starts to melt it will become stringy and gooey.Taste for seasoning and serve.

Notes

Here are two gluten free pasta options that I adore:
Jovial Foods
Pasta Garofalo
Keyword burrata recipe, easy pasta recipe, gluten free, gluten free pasta, high protein, lean protein

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