Italian Turkey Zoodles

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 38 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Zoodles take the place of pasta in this cheesy turkey bake with Italian flavors, a tasty family-friendly dinner perfect for a weeknight.

Ingredients

3 zucchini
1 tablespoon salt, or more as needed
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (3 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1 Make zucchini noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Place noodles in a colander and cover liberally with 1 tablespoon salt. Let sit until noodles release some moisture, about 20 minutes. Rinse noodles and pat dry.
2 Place ground turkey, garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir until turkey is browned and juices run clear, about 5 minutes. Drain grease.
3 Push turkey to the sides of the skillet to make an empty space in the center. Add olive oil and minced garlic; cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
4 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
5 Stir diced tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook until sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in noodles. Cover with cottage cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
6 Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil until cheese is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.