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Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni

Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni Delight

A delightful Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni recipe that packs a protein punch and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey Can substitute with lean ground chicken.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Can replace with cottage cheese or mascarpone.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Optional for dairy-free version.
  • 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used.
  • 1 Egg Or use a flax egg or applesauce as an alternative.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic is highly recommended.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Use fresh zest for maximum flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Substitute with dried if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Oregano Substitute with dried if needed.
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder dish.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust to your preference.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil For drizzling and sautéing.
For the Garlic Spinach Rigatoni
  • 12 oz Rigatoni Pasta Use whole-grain or other pasta shapes if desired.
  • 4 cups Spinach Fresh spinach preferred, but frozen can be used.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • skillet
  • Pot
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather your meatball ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted, 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combine wilted spinach with rigatoni. Plate and top with meatballs. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.

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