Gluten Free Pasta with Zucchini Meat Sauce

Gluten free pasta has become a favorite item to keep in our pantry.  We love pasta, but I have learned that gluten and I just don’t like each other much.  I am not allergic, just sensitive.  So, when I made this Zucchini Meat Sauce recently with gluten free pasta, I knew I had to share.  It is truly a healthy and hearty meal all around, even if you don’t have to watch gluten, you’ll love this recipe.

Gluten Free Pasta with Zucchini Meat Sauce

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First off, let’s talk about the best gluten free pasta.  Yes, you can make your own, and there are some great recipes out there. Gluten Free Girl probably has my favorite homemade recipe, but if you are like me and don’t always have the time to make it from scratch, there are some really great options out there now.  My two personal favorites are Barilla Gluten Free pasta and the Aldi brand Simply Natural pasta.

Next, the reason behind this recipe is because I had a bunch of extra zucchini that needed to be used, and we had just a little ground turkey left.  I wanted pasta but knew I needed something to make my meat sauce heartier.  I improvised, and of course, came up with a super yummy meal that we all loved.  When the Wee Child will eat zucchini like this with no complaint, I am definitely excited.

Ingredients: 

• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 20oz cans diced tomatoes
• 1 8oz can tomato sauce
• 1 8 oz can tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon marjoram
• 1-2 teaspoons salt (to taste)

Directions: 

1. Cook gluten free spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In large deep walled skillet or stockpot, heat olive oil, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender and beginning to caramelize.
3. Add in ground turkey and seasonings, cook stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix in zucchini, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and red wine.
5. Allow mixture to come to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Stir and season to taste if additional salt is needed.
7. Mix in cooked pasta and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan or Mozzarella as desired.

Using your favorite brand of gluten free pasta with this hearty zucchini and ground turkey meat sauce is an ideal way to make an all in one meal.  By focusing on more vegetables and less meat, you are cutting calories.  The addition of red wine gives a rich flavor that makes up for the lack of meat, and a sprinkle of quality mozzarella or Parmesan on top makes it super rich and creamy.

If your kids won’t eat vegetables that are so large, you can always shred your vegetables before adding to the sauce.  Hiding vegetables is an age old method of getting more nutrients into diets.  This easy gluten free pasta recipe with zucchini meat sauce is a great option.

More Pasta Recipes:

• Penne Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic & Red Peppers
• Easy Chicken & Spinach Pasta
• Not Your Mama’s Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Hearty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce