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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.
This looks really yummy. I think my kids would enjoy it. They love pasta and trying to get them to eat healthier is hard to do when they are bombarded with ads all day on tv for junk food. Its quick and easy to make too for when they’re at my feet saying “Mommy I’m HUNGRYYYYYYYYYYYY” 🙂
Feed those hungry kids!!! Hehe…I love little Ant and Glo:)
This pasta does sound great for summer with zucchini and basil! Super delicious!
Thanks! I love the added zucchini.
wow,this pasta is healthy and delicious!Good luck with your new phone..
I love that it’s a healthier lighter option for the summer. Thanks for the wishes on the phone…it’s a learning process…haha.
I love ground turkey! Great recipe.
It’s really delicious and the ground turkey stays really moist and super flavorful.
hahaha, you are hilarious. I’m only 21, but I still have trouble with all the savvy technologies. I just can’t be bothered to read the manual, and there are simply too many gadgets to keep track of!
And the pasta looks amazingly comforting and satisfying. Perfect for anytime!
Oh yeah manuals are not my friend. I always somehow think I can figure it out w/out the help of the manual. I’m glad you like the recipe and good luck with any savvy new gadgets that come your way:)
I’m so craving pasta for tommorow’s dinner…..this looks phenomenal! Much lighter and tastier for summer!
It’s great for the warm weather!
🙂 Tasteful! I love Pasta and just a great dish for the whole family!
Thanks for sharing your recipe:)
Welcome~~~stopby don’t be shy~~~
https://foodcreate.com
Thanks! I’ll stop by:)
I really do adore this pasta.
Thank you:) I hope you enjoyed it!!!
I love the sound of this one – I just stocked up on ground turkey, so I may try this very soon!
I hope you enjoy it!
This looks so delicious. The wine sauce sounds so good with all that fresh basil. I just got a new phone too and I don’t even know how to set up my voice-mail! I don’t even use half of the stuff on there, but I guess it’s nice to have internet on your phone, just in case your stuck somewhere and bored or something!
Hahaha it sounds like we are in the same boat as far as new techy phones go:) Good luck on your voice-mail and I hope you figure our your new phone (I hope the same for me too….lol). Oh and the internet on the phone is a great thing for when I’m bored and waiting in the car…how did I ever like without it???