Skip to Content
Recipes

Noni’s Lighter Turkey Bolognese

This lighter turkey bolognese delivers slow-simmered comfort without the heaviness of the classic sauce.

Turkey bolognese served over pasta with basil and shaved pecorino cheese

A bowl of Noni’s turkey bolognese served over pasta with fresh basil and shaved pecorino.

Inspired by the rolling hills of Italy, where cypress trees line dusty roads and meals unfold slowly at wooden tables, this lighter turkey bolognese brings rustic Italian comfort to the modern kitchen.

Lean turkey is gently simmered with aromatic vegetables and tomato sauce, developing deep, soulful flavor without the weight of a traditional bolognese. Served over hearty whole-grain pasta or atop zucchini noodles, it’s a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Simple, intentional, and deeply comforting - just the way Italian cooking is meant to be.

Looking for more comforting Italian inspired recipes? Explore other healthy recipes here.

Noni’s Turkey Bolognese

Recipe by Low Country Bella
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 

Ingredients

  • 2 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 1 carrot, chopped

  • 1 1 celery stalk, chopped

  • 1 1 shallot, minced

  • 1 tsp. 1 sea salt

  • 1 sprig 1 fresh rosemary

  • 1 cup 1 passata or tomato sauce

  • 1 cup 1 chicken stock

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 white wine

  • 1 lb 1 ground turkey

  • 1/3 cup 1/3 fat free half and half

  • pinch of red pepper flakes

  • olive oil

  • shaved or grated peccorino

  • fresh basil

Directions

  • In a Dutch oven, coat bottom with olive oil and heat. Add garlic.
  • Once garlic is golden, add red pepper flakes, salt, carrot, celery and shallot.
  • Cook for 10 minutes until softened and then add ground turkey.
  • Using a spoon, crumble until cooked through.
  • Add stock, wine and tomato sauce, stirring until blended.
  • Drop in rosemary stalk, cover and reduce to a low simmer for 2-3 hours.
  • 15 minutes before serving, stir in half and half.
  • Simmer on low for another 15 minutes.
  • Serve with whole grain pasta or zoodles, and finish with some shaved pecorino and some fresh
    basil.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Enjoyed this recipe? Sign up for the Appetito newsletter and receive new recipes, stories, and Italian inspiration straight to your inbox.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Chef Tony Gemignani Helps Princess Cruises Alfredo’s Win Ospitalità Italiana

The honor reflects a focused investment in doing Italian pizza properly, even miles from shore.

February 16, 2026

Inside Dallas’ Urban Italia with Chef Carla Pellegrino

Chef Carla Pellegrino discusses Italian American cooking at her new Dallas restaurant.

February 16, 2026

Avere Gli Occhi Foderati di Prosciutto: Ignoring What is Right in Front of You

Italian scholar and New York–based educator Samuel Ghelli continues his Appetito series, examining how an Italian expression uses food to illuminate the ways we choose not to see.

February 16, 2026

Heirloom Recipes from the Scotto Family of Pelato

Anthony Scotto III reflects on the family recipes and traditions behind Pelato.

February 13, 2026

Spritzed With Love: A Valentine’s Day Citrus Cake

Inspired by a first sip of Aperol spritz in Venice, this light citrus cake is the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert to share with someone you love.

February 13, 2026

Joanna Moeller Shines on Good Day New York for Valentine’s Day

Appetito contributor Joanna Moller visited the set of Good Day New York to share a Valentine's Day menu that featured her Lobster Risotto.

February 13, 2026
See all posts