Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe

This turkey meatballs pasta recipe is a simple, nutritious, and tasty meal. It's a perfect dish for a family dinner or a casual gathering. The combination of lean turkey, vibrant vegetables, and hearty pasta creates a balanced dish full of texture and flavor. The recipe is quite straightforward, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks.

Photos of Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, the recipe does call for Italian seasoning, which is a blend of dried oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, and other herbs. If you don't already have this in your spice cabinet, it's a worthwhile purchase as it can be used in a variety of dishes. Additionally, you'll need to use any small shaped pasta, which can be found in the pasta aisle of most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs Pasta

Zucchini: Zucchini is a type of summer squash that's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It adds a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a nice crunch.

Red bell peppers: These peppers are sweet, juicy, and full of vitamins A and C. They add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.

Yellow onion: Onions are a staple ingredient in many recipes due to their ability to enhance the flavor of other ingredients.

Ground turkey: Turkey is a lean source of protein. Ground turkey is used to make the meatballs in this recipe.

Egg: Egg is used as a binder in the meatballs, helping them hold their shape.

Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds moisture to the meatballs, preventing them from becoming dry.

Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs help to bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture.

Italian seasoning: This is a blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cooking. It adds a burst of flavor to the meatballs and pasta.

Pasta: Any small shaped pasta works well in this recipe. It serves as the base of the dish, adding substance and soak up the delicious flavors.

Olive oil: Olive oil is used for roasting the vegetables and for mixing with the pasta. It adds a rich and fruity flavor.

Fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy freshness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herby flavor and a burst of color.

One reader, Gwendolen Ponce says:

This turkey meatballs pasta recipe is a game-changer! The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, and the roasted vegetables add a delightful crunch. The combination of flavors is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Gwendolen Ponce

Techniques Required for Making Turkey Meatballs Pasta

How to roast vegetables: Toss the vegetables with olive oil and salt, then spread them out on a baking sheet in a single even layer. Roast the vegetables in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes.

How to make meatballs: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, and seasonings. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Roast the meatballs in the oven at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes.

How to cook pasta: Boil a large pot of water, salt it to taste, and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain the cooked pasta.

How to assemble the dish: In the pasta pot, stir together the roasted vegetables, meatballs, and pasta with olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve hot.

How To Make Turkey Meatballs Pasta

Surprise everyone with this fancy yet easy Turkey Meatballs Pasta dish with an added flavor from roasted vegetables, tossed with lemon juice and herbs!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Vegetables:

3medium zucchini,(about ¾ lb) cut into half moons
2¾large red bell peppers,(about ¾ lb) sliced into 1-inch strips
1medium yellow onion,sliced into half moons
1tbspolive oil
½tspsalt

For Meatballs:

1lbground turkey
1large egg
2tbspmayonnaise
½cupplain bread crumbs
1tspItalian seasoning,or ¼ tsp each of dried oregano, basil, marjoram, and rosemary
½tspsalt
¼tspground black pepper

For Pasta:

1lbany small shaped pasta,such as orecchiette, bowties, or rotini
2tbspolive oil
2tbspfresh lemon juice
¼cupfresh parsley,chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil or silicone baking mats.

Vegetables:

Toss the vegetables with olive oil and salt.
Spread them out on one of the baking sheets in a single even layer.
Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes.

Meatballs:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, and seasonings.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the second baking sheet, about ½-inch apart.
Roast the meatballs for 20 minutes in the oven alongside the vegetables.
Once both the vegetables and meatballs are in the oven, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil.
Salt the pasta water to taste (use about 3 tablespoons for a big pot) and boil the pasta.
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package and drain.
In the pasta pot, stir together the roasted vegetables, meatballs, and pasta with olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley.
Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 582.81kcal
Fat: 19.26g
Saturated Fat: 3.72g
Trans Fat: 0.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.40g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.52g
Carbohydrates: 72.96g
Fiber: 5.88g
Sugar: 9.14g
Protein: 29.22g
Cholesterol: 85.04mg
Sodium: 554.72mg
Calcium: 84.17mg
Potassium: 839.91mg
Iron: 3.53mg
Vitamin A: 167.13µg
Vitamin C: 120.26mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe

When forming your turkey meatballs, try to keep them all the same size. This ensures that they all cook evenly and at the same rate. If some meatballs are larger than others, they may require more cooking time and could result in some meatballs being overcooked while others are undercooked. Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon can help achieve uniform size.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the vegetables and meatballs the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.

One-pot cooking: Consider using a large, deep skillet to cook the meatballs and vegetables together, then add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet to mix everything together. This reduces the number of dishes to clean.

Batch cooking: Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze the extras for a quick and easy meal in the future.

Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and a cookie scoop to shape the meatballs efficiently.

Prep organization: Organize your ingredients and equipment before starting to cook to streamline the cooking process and minimize the chances of missing a step.

Substitute Ingredients For Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe

ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to ground turkey in meatballs, providing a similar texture and taste.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini, offering a slightly different flavor and texture while still complementing the dish.
red bell peppers - Substitute with yellow bell peppers: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, providing a similar sweet and crisp flavor to the dish.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in meatballs, adding creaminess and tanginess to the mixture.
plain bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for plain breadcrumbs, providing a lighter and crunchier texture to the meatballs.
small shaped pasta - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb alternative to pasta, offering a unique texture and flavor to the dish while reducing the carb content.

Best Way to Present Turkey Meatballs Pasta

Elevate the plating: Present the dish on a large, white, round plate to create a clean and sophisticated canvas for the vibrant colors of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create visual balance: Arrange the meatballs, pasta, and roasted vegetables in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top of the dish to provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Utilize negative space: Allow the white space on the plate to enhance the visual appeal of the dish, creating a sense of elegance and refinement.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Ensure that the roasted vegetables are showcased prominently, displaying their rich hues and enticing textures to captivate the eye.

Essential Tools for Making Turkey Meatball Pasta

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Baking sheets: Flat, rectangular metal sheets used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Mixing bowl: Bowls used for mixing ingredients and preparing various components of a dish.
Large pot: A large, deep cooking vessel used for boiling pasta and preparing soups and stews.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Aluminum foil or silicone baking mats: Used for lining baking sheets to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Tongs: Used for flipping and turning meatballs and vegetables while roasting.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining pasta and vegetables.
Oven: Used for roasting the vegetables and meatballs.

Storing and Freezing Turkey Meatballs Pasta

Let the turkey meatballs pasta cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of excess moisture and help maintain the texture of the meatballs and pasta.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled turkey meatballs pasta in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you plan to freeze the turkey meatballs pasta, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions or freeze it as a whole, depending on your preference.
- Place the portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the turkey meatballs pasta for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
To reheat the frozen turkey meatballs pasta:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place the thawed pasta in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a covered pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking and burning.
If you want to freeze the meatballs separately for future use in other recipes:
- Place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Freeze the meatballs until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen meatballs can be stored for up to 3 months.
When reheating the turkey meatballs pasta, you may need to add a splash of water, olive oil, or lemon juice to help revive the flavors and maintain the desired consistency.

How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Meatballs Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover turkey meatballs and pasta in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are heated through and the pasta is warm and tender. This method helps to retain the moisture in the dish and prevent the meatballs from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover turkey meatballs pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the pasta from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the meatballs and pasta are heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meatballs to become tough and the pasta to become mushy.
If you want to add a little extra flavor and texture to your reheated turkey meatballs pasta, consider heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover meatballs and pasta to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method will give the dish a slight crispiness and a burst of fresh flavor.
For a more flavorful reheating option, place the leftover turkey meatballs and pasta in a saucepan with a splash of chicken or vegetable broth. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs and pasta are heated through and the broth is absorbed. This method will help to keep the dish moist and add an extra layer of savory flavor.
If you have leftover roasted vegetables from the original recipe, consider reheating them separately in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Once they are heated through and slightly crispy, toss them with the reheated turkey meatballs and pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Interesting Fact About Turkey Meatballs Pasta

Turkey meatballs pasta recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option that combines lean ground turkey with roasted vegetables and pasta. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit individual tastes.

Is Making Turkey Meatballs Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?

This turkey meatballs pasta recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like zucchini, bell peppers, and ground turkey makes it budget-friendly. The recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for a family of four. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $20, resulting in a cost per serving of around $5. The versatility of this dish also adds value, as it can be enjoyed as a complete meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is This Turkey Meatball Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This turkey meatballs pasta recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it incorporates a good amount of vegetables, including zucchini, red bell peppers, and onions, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Turkey is a lean protein source, making it a healthier alternative to beef or pork. The recipe also uses olive oil, which is a heart-healthy fat, and includes fresh lemon juice and parsley, adding a burst of flavor and nutrients.

However, there are some areas where the recipe could be improved:

The recipe calls for mayonnaise in the meatballs, which adds extra fat and calories. Using plain Greek yogurt instead could provide moisture and protein without the added fat.
The bread crumbs in the meatballs are likely made from refined grains, which lack fiber and nutrients. Opting for whole wheat bread crumbs or almond flour could boost the nutritional value.
The recipe doesn't specify the type of pasta used. Choosing a whole grain or legume-based pasta would increase the fiber and protein content of the dish.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the variety of vegetables by adding mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the roasting pan. This will provide a wider range of nutrients and flavors.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the meatballs, such as garlic powder, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to reduce the need for added salt.
Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles or carrot ribbons as a low-carb alternative to pasta, or mix them with the regular pasta for added texture and nutrients.
Serve the dish with a side salad or roasted broccoli to further increase the vegetable content of the meal.

Editor's Opinion on This Turkey Meatball Pasta Dish

The combination of roasted vegetables, flavorful turkey meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a harmonious and satisfying dish. The use of fresh ingredients like zucchini, bell peppers, and parsley adds a vibrant and wholesome touch. The meatballs are moist and well-seasoned, and the addition of mayonnaise gives them a unique richness. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, balancing the flavors beautifully. This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes. It's a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets roasted to perfection with a savory garlic parmesan coating.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and infused with aromatic thyme for a delightful side dish.

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Satisfyingly crispy sweet potato fries baked to golden perfection, seasoned with a blend of savory spices.

Similar Recipes to Turkey Meatballs Pasta

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful sauce before threading them onto skewers and grilling until tender and slightly charred. Serve as a side dish or a light main course.

Beef Stir-Fry: Quickly cook thinly sliced beef with a variety of colorful vegetables in a hot wok, then toss with a savory stir-fry sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing: Combine a variety of fresh, colorful fruits in a large bowl and toss with a zesty citrus dressing for a refreshing and healthy dessert or side dish.

Chicken Noodle Soup: Simmer tender pieces of chicken with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and noodles in a rich broth for a comforting and nourishing soup that's perfect for any time of year.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a flavorful filling using a combination of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the savory filling, making it a delightful appetizer for any occasion.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Coat large shrimp in a seasoned flour mixture, dip them in beaten eggs, and then coat them in shredded coconut before frying until golden brown. The crispy texture and tropical flavor of the coconut make these shrimp a crowd-pleasing appetizer option.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy goodness of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. The combination of smooth cheesecake and sweet strawberries is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of roasted vegetables and turkey meatballs, providing a healthy and flavorful meal. The use of fresh parsley and Italian seasoning enhances the dish's aroma and taste. The incorporation of mayonnaise in the meatballs ensures a moist and tender texture. Additionally, the inclusion of zucchini and red bell peppers adds a colorful and nutritious element. The utilization of olive oil and fresh lemon juice contributes to a light and refreshing finish. Overall, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.

Want to share your own twist on this Turkey Meatballs Pasta Recipe or have any tips to make it even better? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the discussion!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or pork for the meatballs. Each type of meat will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any small-shaped pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta or whatever you have on hand.

Can I add cheese to the dish?

Of course! Grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even crumbled feta cheese would be delicious additions to this dish. Sprinkle some on top before serving for an extra savory kick.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or by using meatless meatballs. You can also add more roasted vegetables or incorporate vegetarian protein alternatives.

Can I prepare the meatballs and vegetables ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the dish. Simply reheat them in the oven before combining with the pasta.