Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
chopped
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
thinly sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
- 1
Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- 3
Shape & Bake: Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
- 4
Cook Pasta: While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 5
Prepare the Garlic Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6
Combine & Serve: Toss the cooked rigatoni with the garlic spinach mixture, adding a splash of pasta water if needed. Plate the pasta, top with turkey meatballs, and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, yet healthy, weeknight meal that truly satisfies? Our Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni delivers on all fronts, bringing together tender, flavorful meatballs and vibrant, garlicky pasta in one irresistible dish.What makes this recipe a standout is the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The meatballs, enriched with creamy ricotta cheese and savory Parmesan, stay incredibly moist and tender after baking. Paired with rigatoni, tossed in fragrant olive oil, fresh garlic, and wilted spinach, you get a deeply satisfying, protein-packed experience that feels both indulgent and balanced.You can look forward to a dish where every forkful is a delight. The baked turkey and ricotta meatballs offer a light, yet substantial, bite with subtle herby notes from oregano and fresh parsley. They complement the al dente rigatoni beautifully, which is coated in a vibrant, savory sauce of thinly sliced garlic and fresh spinach. The touch of grated Parmesan cheese for serving adds a final layer of salty, umami goodness, creating a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that makes for a truly cozy and fulfilling dinner.While the ground turkey makes for a lighter meatball, you can easily swap it for ground chicken or even a lean ground beef if preferred, adjusting baking time as needed. For an extra layer of flavor in the meatballs, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you enjoy more vegetables, feel free to increase the amount of fresh spinach or gently sauté other quick-cooking greens alongside it for an even heartier pasta dish.This delightful meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. Serve it warm with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.