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This summer Bolognese is packed full of fresh pasta, tomatoes, basil, zucchini, white wine, and ground turkey. It’s light and flavorful and perfect for summer. Plus it’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Summertime is the perfect time to take advantage of all the ripe sweet produce that is available.
This summer bolognese will fill you up without weighing you down.
I’ve used lean ground turkey for protein, and tons of fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and a little white wine.
Or you could use the rest for a delicious white wine peach sangria on the side.
Perfect to make for a weeknight supper, or a special weekend dinner, you’re going to love this flavorful summer bolognese!
Looking for another summer Italian dinner? Try my Summer Chicken Parmesan with Zoodles.
Ingredients for summer bolognese
- Fresh fettuccine – I use fresh pasta here because it cooks fast and has a delicate flavor. Feel free to use boxed fettuccine if you already have it on hand.
- Olive oil – fruity and savory, it is the fat of choice for our bolognese.
- Ground turkey – A flavorful ground meat that is lean and full of protein.
- Garlic – A classic addition that will add earthiness to the dish.
- Vegetables – Tomatoes and zucchini bulk up this bolognese with their sweetness.
- Dry white wine – To add some acidity and savory flavors.
Alternative proteins
I’ve chosen ground turkey because it has great flavor and is leaner than ground beef, but feel free to use ground beef if that is what you prefer.
Keep in mind that it’ll result in a heavier, more meaty-flavored sauce.
Another great lean protein alternative would be ground chicken!
Non-alcoholic
The alcohol from the white wine would be cooked off in this recipe, but if you prefer to have a completely alcohol-free bolognese, feel free to substitute the white wine with your favorite chicken stock.
Using different vegetables
If you’re not a fan of zucchini, no worries! This bolognese is all about using whatever summer vegetable is most appealing and fresh.
Asparagus, yellow summer squash, and bell peppers would be delicious in this summer bolognese as well!
Storage and leftovers
Leftovers of summer bolognese stored easily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating is as simple as putting in a microwave-safe dish, covering loosely with a damp paper towel, and heating for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
More pasta recipes
- Loving all these veggies? Try my Spring Vegetable Pappardelle.
- Craving something spicy? Try my One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
- Looking for some pesto? Try my Pesto Chicken Caprese Salad.
- Need some seafood? Try my Pasta with Shrimp and Feta.
Summer Bolognese
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the turkey and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in the zucchini and basil.
- Serve over the pasta or mix the pasta fully within the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What a delicious way to use some fresh garden veggies!
Awesome update on those pics and this is such great comfort food!
You’re right, it definitely packs in the flavors of summer. Gorgeous photos!
Your updated photos are gorgeous! I am definitely going to have to whip up this bolognese before summer’s end. Looks delicious! 🙂
What a DELICIOUS plate of food! I want it for dinner tonight!
love bolognese and this is a nice version, thank you! Bolognese is a nice respite from the tomato-y Italian dishes that are more common, at least in my experience, so love this!
This recipe looks great. I recently had to give up tomatoes for the acidity. Any suggestion of something else I can try in the place of tomatoes? Thanks.
Hi Janine – honestly I’m not sure what you could use in place of tomatoes. You can always add more vegetables but the tomatoes do add a little moisture to the recipe. You could try and find lower acid tomatoes to use in the recipe. Thanks!
Angry Italian mode: ON Why call it Bolognese? There is no such thing as “light Ragu”, or Ragu with spaghetti Angry Italian mode: OFF Looks very summery and delicious, looking forward to try it
Just made this last night, it was delicious and easy! Seasoned the turkey with dried Italian herbs, onion powder and red pepper flakes in addition to the salt and pepper. Added like a tablespoon of butter to the sauce just for fun. Will be making again!