Turkey Bolognese
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Nov. 20, 2025
This turkey bolognese is my favorite way to turn leftover holiday turkey into something completely new. The sauce is hearty with tender vegetables and rich tomato flavor, but still light enough for an easy weeknight meal.
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Amy’s Notes
I love making this Turkey Bolognese after the holidays when there’s leftover turkey in the fridge and I’m craving a comforting dinner recipe. Here’s what makes it special:
- Quick and Comforting: This sauce tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it only needs about 15 minutes. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal.
- Full of Flavor: The mix of onion, garlic, carrots, and celery gives the sauce that classic Italian depth. The turkey soaks it all up beautifully, just like in our Rigatoni Bolognese.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe turns leftover turkey into something completely new. It’s a fresh, flavorful way to make sure nothing goes to waste after a big holiday meal.
- Light but Satisfying: Using turkey keeps the sauce lighter than traditional versions, but it’s still every bit as comforting. It’s the kind of pasta that leaves you full and happy without feeling heavy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce freezes and reheats like a dream, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later—just like our Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce Recipe. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Onion – Chopped and sautéed for a sweet, savory backbone that blends into the sauce. Yellow or white onions both work well.
- Garlic – Minced for a bold, aromatic layer that deepens the flavor of the sauce. Use fresh cloves for the best taste.
- Carrots – Finely chopped to add natural sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Shredded carrots can also be used if that’s easier.
- Shredded Cooked Turkey – The star of the dish, giving the sauce a hearty texture and mild flavor. Leftover roasted or slow-cooked turkey works perfectly; ground turkey can be used in a pinch.
- Marinara Sauce – Provides the tomato base that ties everything together. Use a good-quality jarred sauce or homemade marinara if you have it.
- Dry Spaghetti Pasta – The classic pairing for bolognese, sturdy enough to hold the sauce. You can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan – Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty garnish that completes the dish. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you prefer a sharper cheese.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Protein Options: I usually make this with leftover roasted turkey, but ground turkey works great too. You can also swap in ground chicken or lean beef if that’s what you have.
- Veggie Add-Ins: I like to toss in chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture. You can also stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for some greens.
- Sauce Tweaks: If you want a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine or a spoonful of tomato paste while the sauce simmers. A pinch of crushed red pepper gives it a gentle kick.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
- Stir in the shredded turkey and cook for 1 minute to heat through.
- Add the marinara, season with salt and pepper, and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Toss drained pasta into sauce, adding reserved water as needed to loosen.
- Stir in fresh parsley and serve hot with Parmesan on top.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Prep the Sauce Early: You can make the turkey bolognese sauce up to two days in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
- Freeze for Later: The sauce freezes beautifully for up to three months. I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy weeknight meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.
What To Serve with Turkey Bolognese
Bread
- You can’t go wrong with some bread, and nothing beats this crusty, chewy French Bread recipe.
- This Easiest Garlic Cheese Bread is another great option that the kids will devour. Or try these Pull-Apart Rolls!
- And of course, there’s something like some Olive Garden Breadsticks on the side.
Vegetables
- We love serving this Turkey Bolognese with crisp green salads. Try this Kale Brussels Sprouts Salad or our Easy Chopped Greek Salad.
- Roasted veggies are an ideal companion to pasta dishes. We recommend trying this Easy Roasted Vegetables Recipe.
Soups
- When it’s cold outside, you can’t go wrong with a warm and comforting soup as a starter to this delicious leftover turkey recipe. Try our Classic Minestrone or Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe
Turkey Bolognese
Here's a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, especially after the holidays. This turkey bolognese transforms your leftovers into a whole new delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta, dry
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Parmesan , freshly grated, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, combine the oil with onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Stir and cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the turkey and stir 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce, stir well, and add kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Reduce to simmer and allow sauce to simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid, and drain the rest.
- Add the hot pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to thin out sauce as needed.
- Toss in freshly chopped parsley. Serve with desired amount of freshly grated Parmesan as garnish.
Notes
- Chop the vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate and blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Use leftover roasted turkey for the best flavor and texture, but ground turkey works well if that’s what you have.
- Let the sauce simmer gently to help the flavors come together without drying out the turkey.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; it helps loosen the sauce and gives it a silky finish.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce while both are hot so the noodles absorb more flavor.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and kept in an airtight container in the freezer until ready to use (several weeks.) When ready to use, thaw sauce and simmer to reheat.
- Serve it with some Pull-Apart Rolls or Olive Garden Breadsticks on the side.
- This recipe is part of our Pastas and Pizzas Recipes Collection.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 477kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 825mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4069IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 3mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
Spaghetti is classic, but you can use any pasta that holds sauce well. Rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine are all great choices for this dish.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it as needed when tossing the sauce with the spaghetti. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling and stay silky.
What can I do if the sauce tastes too acidic?
Add a splash of broth or a small pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the marinara without making it sweet.
How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
More to Cook and Eat
- Tender Pork Ragu – This Tender Stovetop Pork Roast is rustic, simple, and supremely delicious. Everything is cooked in one big pot to savory perfection.
- Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe – This healthy turkey chili recipe is made on the stovetop or slow cooker for a nutritious, hearty comfort food perfect for every occasion!
- Chunky Sausage and Vegetable Pasta Sauce – This chunky sausage and vegetable pasta sauce is chock full of favorite ingredients. It is easy and flavorful. Leftover sauce tastes even better tomorrow!
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a cozy, warm, comforting soup perfect for cold weather. Great with leftover holiday turkey too!