Dominican Spaghetti, affectionately known as “Espaguetis,” is a beloved comfort dish that holds a cherished place in Dominican households. With its roots in Italian pasta traditions, Dominican Spaghetti has evolved into something uniquely Caribbean—bold, rich, and heartwarming. What sets this version apart is the way it blends savory flavors with creamy textures, crafted in a way that reflects the island’s diverse cultural influences and culinary creativity.
This recipe, which uses ground turkey instead of the more traditional ground beef or salami, offers a lighter, leaner twist while still delivering the full-bodied flavor that Dominican Spaghetti is known for. Ground turkey takes on the bold seasonings and absorbs the creamy tomato-based sauce beautifully, making it especially kid-friendly—just ask the two-year-old in our family who can’t get enough of it. She loves it so much that she asks for “more mama” even before finishing what’s already on her spoon!
Dominican Spaghetti is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a cultural staple often served at gatherings, family lunches, or taken along on trips to the beach. Many Dominicans even enjoy this saucy pasta served alongside unlikely, but traditional sides such as white rice or tostones (fried plantains). It’s not uncommon to see this vibrant pink-orange spaghetti nestled next to a mound of rice—an unexpected combination that Dominicans swear by. It’s a reflection of the Dominican approach to food: resourceful, flavorful, and gratifying.
The foundation of the dish is a rich, creamy tomato sauce made using fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. A splash of evaporated milk gives the sauce its signature silky consistency, while butter adds richness. Butterfly this with some shredded cheddar and parmesan for a cheesy finish, and you have a sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, coating it in a creamy, tangy-sweet blanket of flavor.
Seasonings like basil, black pepper, and a dash of white vinegar give the sauce added depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomato while balancing it with a touch of acidity and spice. Beyond flavor, the ease and speed of preparation make this a go-to weeknight meal. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, which not only infuses the noodles with flavor but also brings everything together in one satisfying pot.
Whether served as a family dinner or packed up for a picnic by the ocean, this Dominican Spaghetti with ground turkey is hearty, nostalgic, and ridiculously comforting. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparkles with Caribbean flair, and is rooted in generations of affectionate, homegrown cooking.
If you’re looking to diversify your pasta nights and bring a bit of the Dominican Republic to your table, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Simple to prepare, kid-approved, and infused with soul, it’s a joyful dish that fills bellies—and hearts—with every bite.
Delicious Dominican Spaghetti Recipe With Ground Turkey
Ingredients
½ pound spaghetti
1 pound ground turkey (minced turkey)
1 large tomato - ripe
½ cup tomato paste
2 cloves garlic - minced
2 tablespoons butter- 3 tablespoons seasoning
- ½ cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup water
¼ cup white onion
½ tablespoons olive oil
½ cup cheddar cheese - shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese - grated
1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, frequently stirring, until fragrant, for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add in the onions, red pepper, tomatoes, vinegar and tomato paste.
- Allow cooking for another minute and season with basil, seasoning. Add salt, pepper butter evaporated milk and the pasta.
- Let it boil, then reduce heat and simmer, occasionally stirring, until pasta is cooked through, for about 4 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar and parmesan cheese. If your sauce becomes too thick, add more milk or water as needed until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, and top with parmesan cheese.
