Turkey Bolognese

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Thanksgiving Leftovers

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (62)

Cook Time:
30 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
6 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 30 min
Total:: 50 min

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Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 pound shredded cooked turkey (preferably dark meat)
3 cups marinara sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound spaghetti
Freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrot and celery and saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the turkey and saute 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce. Decrease the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, stirring often. Stir in the basil. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 week ahead. Cool the sauce completely, then transfer it to a container and freeze for future use. Bring the sauce to a simmer before using.)

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten as needed. Serve with the Parmesan.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Turkey Bolognese
Michele Humble, TX 01-02-2010
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Yum!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

What a great way to use up leftover turkey! I used Giada's marinara sauce with this recipe - it takes a little time to make... but is so worth it! Thanks for another delicious recipe Giada!Read more
recipe Turkey Bolognese
Ann Leavenworth, KS 12-27-2009
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Easy and good!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Made this and it was so easy and quick. My son said he would rather have tube pasta instead of the spaghetti. I added baby... portabella mushrooms to the recipe. It's a really good way to use leftover turkey. The flavor is so much different than the Christmas turkey dinner. Thanks Giada!Read more
recipe Turkey Bolognese
Donna Irving, TX 12-03-2009
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Great way to use leftover turkey!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I tried this recipe two years ago and have been making it every year since after Thanksgiving. It tastes even better after a... couple of days to let the seasonings blend together. The sauce keeps well in the freezer if you don't want to use it right away. Love it!Read more
recipe Turkey Bolognese
Anthony Los Angeles, CA 12-01-2009
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Another reason to cook a big turkey
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was such a creative idea. My partner and I both love it! You don't feel like you're eating Thanksgiving leftovers at... all. A definite holiday tradition for us now!Read more
recipe Turkey Bolognese
Kelly Spotsylvania, VA 11-30-2009
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Very good & quick dish
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Excellent dish!! My family loved it, and my kids are very picky eaters. I did use Italian sausage, removed from the casings.... After cooking the onions and garlic, I added the sausage and let it brown. Turned out wonderfully. Will definitely make again.Read more
recipe Turkey Bolognese
Hillary Bronx, NY 11-29-2009
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Something different for leftovers!
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

This was really good, we really enjoyed it. I added a 1/4 red wine to the sauce. Would definately make this again!