Description
These zesty turkey and ricotta meatballs are juicy, light, and packed with flavor thanks to lemon zest, herbs, and creamy ricotta. Served over garlicky spinach rigatoni, this comforting yet vibrant dish makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner or cozy lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to combine with garlic spinach.
- Serve meatballs over the rigatoni. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- For extra brightness, squeeze lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a dietary alternative.
- The meatballs can be prepped and frozen for future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (meatballs + rigatoni)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: turkey ricotta meatballs, garlic spinach rigatoni, healthy pasta dinner, baked meatballs, zesty lemon meatballs