Turkey Meatballs Pasta: A Tasty and Healthier Alternative

Name: Turkey Meatballs Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground turkey; 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup Chopped parsley; 1 large Egg; 2 large Garlic cloves (minced or (¼ tsp garlic powder) ); ½ tsp Salt (to taste); ½ tsp Black pepper powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 28 oz canned Crushed tomatoes; 1 small Onion (minced); 2 large Garlic cloves (minced); ½ tsp Dried basil (or 1 fresh sprig); ½ tsp Dried oregano; ½ tsp Kosher salt (to taste); ½ tsp Black pepper powder; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional); 1 lb Penne pasta; Grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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This turkey meatball recipe features juicy, flavorful meatballs cooked in a savory tomato sauce, served over al dente penne pasta. The combination of lean ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious and wholesome dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Serve these turkey meatballs over pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

A plate with ground turkey and penne pasta. — Meatball Pasta with Ground Turkey.

Turkey meatballs are a delicious and versatile alternative to traditional beef meatballs. Made with lean ground turkey, these meatballs are lighter in fat and calories compared to beef, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Turkey meatballs are also a great choice for those looking to reduce their red meat intake. They can be seasoned and served in various ways, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to sandwiches, wraps, or appetizers. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or just want to try something different, turkey meatballs are a tasty and satisfying choice.

Why is this the best recipe

Flavorful Meatballs: The combination of ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley creates flavorful and juicy meatballs that are perfect with the tomato sauce.
Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores, making it convenient to prepare.
Healthy Option: Turkey is a lean protein, and the tomato sauce is rich in vitamins and lycopene, making this a nutritious meal choice.
Versatile Dish: You can serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, as suggested, or use them in sandwiches, wraps, or even as appetizers.
Family-Friendly: This recipe is likely to be enjoyed by both kids and adults, making it a great option for family meals.
Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it a great recipe for beginner cooks or those looking for a quick and easy meal option.

A platter of penne pasta with ground turkey. — Meatball Pasta with Ground Turkey.

Ingredients and substitutes

Ground Turkey: Provides the base for the meatballs, adding protein and a lean alternative to beef. You can also use ground chicken or beef instead.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together and add texture. You can also use crushed crackers, oats, or almond meal.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor and helps bind the meatballs. Romano cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Parsley: Adds freshness and flavor to the meatballs. Other herbs like basil or cilantro can be used.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the meatballs. You can try using a flaxseed or chia seed egg for a vegan option.
Garlic: Adds flavor to both the meatballs and the sauce. Garlic powder can be used instead.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs and adds flavor to the sauce. Any other cooking oil can be used.
Crushed Tomatoes: Form the base of the tomato sauce. Tomato sauce or tomato puree can be used.
Dried Basil and Oregano: Add flavor to the tomato sauce. You can use Italian seasoning instead.
Penne Pasta: Serves as the base for the dish. Any other pasta shape can be used, or you can use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Ingredients for making meatballs pasta. — Meatball Pasta with Ground Turkey.

Step-by-step: Turkey meatballs over pasta

Make meatballs – In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook meatballs – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté – In the same skillet, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meatballs – Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked and the sauce thickens.
Pasta – While the meatballs are simmering, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked penne pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Progress pictures making the meatballs over pasta. — Meatball Pasta with Ground Turkey.

Tips for cooking perfect pasta

Use Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the meatballs moist without excess fat.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Turkey can benefit from bold flavors, so season the meatballs and sauce well.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball mixture just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil can add a vibrant flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used, but use them sparingly.
Brown the Meatballs: Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce adds flavor and helps them hold their shape.
Simmer Gently: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
Serve Immediately: Serve the meatballs and sauce over the pasta immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
Garnish: Garnish the dish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

A plate of turkey meatballs with penne pasta. — Meatballs with Ground Turkey in Tomato Sauce

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Frequently asked questions

How long will these turkey meatballs keep?

This sauce, on its own, will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. When you need to reheat it, add a few tablespoons of water to help the sauce blend again. The pasta with meatballs will stay in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can also use ground chicken as a substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. However, keep in mind that ground chicken may have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to turkey.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help save time when preparing the dish.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for these turkey meatballs?

The purpose of using canned tomatoes is to make this a quick and easy dish in under 30 minutes. You can certainly use fresh tomatoes. If you do, I highly recommend using my marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes as a base. Then add the meatballs to the marinara sauce to make it a meatball sauce.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch. However, making the sauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, you can use different pasta shapes such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni instead of penne. Choose a shape that you enjoy, and that will hold the sauce well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta. Make sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs called for in the recipe, since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh.

A plate with pasta and turkey meatballs.

Veena Azmanov