A delicious meat sauce doesn't need to take hours to make. This quick weeknight version hits the spot with rustic Italian flavors. Paired with some quick green beans, you have a hearty, healthy meal. Quick note: This meal makes two night's worth of meat sauce. You'll use the leftovers for tacos tomorrow night or you can also freeze for another easy pasta meal in the future.
Bring a saucepan of water to boil. Salt heavily (that water should taste like the ocean!) and add pasta. Cook until al dente, tender but not soggy. Drain and set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then garlic and red chili flakes to heated oil. Once you can smell the garlic, add the diced onions with some salt. Saute until softened, ~3 minutes.
Next add turkey and thyme. Break up with a wooden spoon and brown for ~5 minutes.
Add in sauce and sugar. Cook for another 5 minutes and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Reserve half of sauce for tomorrow night's tacos (or freeze for a future pasta) and toss the remainder with pasta and serve with parmesan and basil.
Place green beans in a microwave safe container. Add 1 tbs. (14.8ml) of water and sprinkle with salt. Cover with a lid or wet paper towel and microwave for 1 1/2 minute to 2 minutes 15 seconds depending on thickness of green beans.
Toss with butter and lemon juice. Serve with almonds. Enjoy as a side to your rustic pasta.