Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds! This classic spaghetti recipe combines the rich, hearty flavors of ground turkey and Italian sausage with a robust tomato sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this mouthwatering dish promises to deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. You will need a large pot for boiling the spaghetti, a large skillet or saucepan for the sauce, a cutting board, and a knife.
- Fill the large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the spaghetti.
- While the water is heating, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- In the large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Next, add the ground turkey and Italian sausage (casings removed) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary. Then, stir in the can of crushed tomatoes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, return to the pot of boiling water. Add the 8 oz of spaghetti to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- After the sauce has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the drained spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your classic spaghetti with ground turkey and sausage!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use a mix of ground turkey and Italian sausage to create a more complex taste profile.
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Cook your pasta just until al dente - it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Don't rinse your pasta after cooking. The starch helps the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese right before serving for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
- If you want to make the sauce ahead of time, it actually tastes even better after the flavors have melded together overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
