🥒 Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Marinara

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Gluten-Free • Low-Carb • High Protein • No Beans or Beef

✨ Sometimes the simplest meals are the most grounding.

This Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Marinara dish is light yet filling, familiar yet fresh—perfect for days when you want something hearty without heaviness. It’s a beautiful blend of garden-grown goodness and savory comfort food, made even more magical by its nourishing ingredients and intentional simplicity. The zucchini noodles provide a wonderfully satisfying texture that mimics traditional pasta while keeping the dish vibrant and low in calories. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a lighter alternative to pasta, this dish delivers all the satisfaction of classic spaghetti—without the gluten, beef, or carb overload. Plus, you can easily customize the turkey marinara sauce by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs, allowing for endless variations that cater to your personal taste. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of flavors that not only pleases the palate but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of chili flakes to elevate this comforting dish even further. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and soul.


🍅 Ingredients

For the Marinara:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp thyme or Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 jar (about 24 oz) gluten-free marinara sauce (look for one with no added sugar)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a little kick

For the Zucchini Noodles:

  • 3–4 medium zucchini, spiralized (store-bought zoodles work too) [ *You can also add in Gluten Free Pasta to bulk it up if you so choose]
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional topping: grated Parmesan or dairy-free cheese alternative

🔪 Instructions

  1. Cook the turkey:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  2. Build the sauce:
    Once turkey is mostly cooked, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
    Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Prepare the zoodles:
    In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add spiralized zucchini and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until tender (don’t overcook or they’ll get mushy). Remove from heat and drain any excess moisture.
  4. Plate and serve:
    Divide zoodles between plates or bowls. Spoon turkey marinara generously over the top. Garnish with Parmesan, fresh herbs, or chili flakes if desired.

🌿 Closing Thoughts

This dish is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy to be healing. With each twirl of zucchini and spoonful of savory sauce, you’re nourishing your body, honoring your needs, and creating space for mindful nourishment. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of meals that not only satisfy our hunger but also nurture our souls.

This recipe embodies a refreshing simplicity that transcends time, reminding us that genuine pleasure can often be found in the most unassuming ingredients. Picture a vibrant plate filled with fresh, spiralized zucchini, glistening under a drizzle of homemade sauce rich in aromatic herbs and spices. Each bite invites a moment of reflection—a chance to appreciate the flavors and the care that goes into preparing a meal.

It’s meals like this—simple, satisfying, and soul-filled—that remind us how powerful everyday magic can be. Cooking becomes a ritual, an opportunity to connect with ourselves and the ingredients that nature provides. When shared with loved ones, these dishes become conduits for laughter, conversation, and connection, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Moreover, this dish is versatile; it can easily be tailored to fit various dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients, encouraging creativity in the kitchen. After all, the joy of cooking lies not just in the final outcome, but in the process itself—an expression of love, care, and intention.

Embrace the beauty of nourishing meals that warm your heart and uplift your spirit. Whether enjoyed solo or with others, these simple culinary delights serve as a reminder that comfort can be found in nourishment that is both light and fulfilling.

Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B



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