July 5, 2026 · 5 min

Creamy Turkey Ragu with Zucchini and Gluten-Free Pasta

Dinner5 min1723 cal / serving

This creamy turkey ragu is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Ground turkey is seasoned with a warm spice blend and cooked with grated zucchini, then simmered in a rich marinara sauce. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to gluten-free linguine.

Packed with protein and hidden veggies, this dish is a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a savory touch.


Recipe details

Dinner5 min1723 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1723 kcalProtein98.2 gFat125.7 gCarbs46.9 gSugar9.2 gFiber5.4 gSodium1881 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: containsFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Sour Cream3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Ground Turkey15 ounce Ground TurkeyView ingredient guide
Tomato Paste1 unit Tomato PasteView ingredient guide
Zucchini1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guide
Cream Cheese4 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guide
Parmesan Cheese6 tablespoon Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guide
Spaghettiounce SpaghettiView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder2 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Marinara Sauce5 ounce Marinara SauceView ingredient guide
Salt2 teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Butter1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, wash and dry the zucchini, then grate it on the largest holes of a box grater.
  2. Add the gluten-free linguine to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, Tuscan Heat Spice, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until lightly browned, about 2-4 minutes.
  4. Add the grated zucchini and tomato paste to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the zucchini is tender and the turkey is cooked through, 2-3 minutes more.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken stock concentrates and ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Simmer until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan and the butter. Stir until melted and combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add the drained linguine to the pan and toss to coat. If the sauce seems thick, add more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until the pasta is well coated.
  8. Divide the pasta between plates or shallow bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and serve.

Recipe Tips

For a quicker boil, cover the pot with a lid.

If you don’t have Tuscan Heat Spice, substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil and red pepper flakes.

The sauce will thicken as it sits; add a little pasta water to loosen it if needed.

FAQ

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to package directions.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

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