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Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni

Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni is a vibrant dish that combines succulent turkey meatballs filled with creamy ricotta, served atop a bed of garlic sautéed spinach and hearty rigatoni. This recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a meal to remember.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, ricotta cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into golf-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  5. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
  6. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté garlic for about one minute and add spinach until wilted.
  7. Toss cooked rigatoni with sautéed spinach and serve topped with meatballs and freshly grated Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Substitute ground turkey with chicken or beef for varied flavors. Add chopped veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.