Go Back
Turkey meatballs with ricotta served over garlic spinach rigatoni.
Print Recipe

Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni

A delightful dish featuring tender turkey and ricotta meatballs over rigatoni pasta with garlic and spinach.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Family-Friendly Meal, Healthy Dinner, Pasta Recipe, Rigatoni, Turkey Meatballs
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground turkey Lean and healthy.
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the mixture.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses meatballs with flavor.
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Keeps meatballs moist.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds savory flavor.
  • 1 large egg Binding agent.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adds aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds punch.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For freshness.

For the Pasta and Spinach

  • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta Holds sauce well.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Adds flavor.
  • 4 cups fresh spinach Packed with nutrients.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving For garnish.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
  • Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange on the baking sheet.

Baking

  • Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Cooking the Pasta

  • While the meatballs bake, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Toss the cooked rigatoni with the garlic spinach mixture, using reserved pasta water if needed.

Serving

  • Plate the pasta, top with baked turkey ricotta meatballs, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Chill the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming for better flavor. Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency. Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if desired.