Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni

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Juicy, zesty turkey & ricotta meatballs baked to perfection and served over garlicky spinach rigatoni—this dish is packed with flavor, light yet satisfying, and comes together in just 35 minutes! With bright lemon zest, creamy ricotta, and a savory garlic-spinach pasta base, this meal is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a weeknight meal that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that doesn’t feel too heavy, this dish is a winner! Here’s why:

  Light & Juicy Meatballs – Thanks to ricotta cheese, these turkey meatballs stay moist and tender.
  Bold, Zesty Flavors – Lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes add brightness and a little heat.
  Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
  Wholesome & Nutritious – Lean turkey, fresh spinach, and whole-grain pasta (if you choose) make this a balanced meal.
  Versatile & Customizable – Easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or spicier to fit your preferences!

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

Each bite is a perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and savory goodness! The garlicky spinach pasta has a subtle richness from olive oil and Parmesan, which pairs beautifully with juicy, herbed turkey meatballs. The hint of lemon zest adds freshness, while red pepper flakes bring just a touch of heat.

Ingredients

For the Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Garlic Spinach Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups fresh spinach

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet – For baking the meatballs.

• Mixing bowls – To combine the meatball ingredients.

• Large skillet – For sautéing the garlic spinach.

• Pot for boiling pasta – Rigatoni needs room to cook evenly.

How to Make Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni

1. Preheat & Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  Ground turkey
  Ricotta cheese
  Parmesan
  Breadcrumbs
  Egg
  Minced garlic
  Lemon zest
  Parsley
  Oregano
  Crushed red pepper flakes
  Salt and pepper

Mix everything gently to keep the meatballs tender.

3. Shape & Bake

Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).

4. Cook the Rigatoni

While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Sauté the Garlic Spinach

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

6. Combine & Serve

Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together.

Plate the pasta, top with the baked turkey & ricotta meatballs, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve With This Dish

Pair this pasta with:

• A crisp arugula salad or Caesar salad for a fresh contrast.

• Garlic bread or a baguette to soak up the flavors.

• A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Tips for the Best Meatballs

  Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lemon zest, parsley, and garlic make a difference!
  Don’t overmix – Overworking the mixture makes meatballs dense.
  Keep them uniform – Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
  Bake, don’t fry – Baking keeps them juicy without excess oil.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish completely gluten-free.

What’s a good dairy-free substitute for ricotta?

You can use cashew ricotta or dairy-free cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! Shape the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What other meats can I use instead of turkey?

Ground chicken or lean ground beef are great alternatives for this recipe.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes! Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just reheat in the oven or stovetop.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Rigatoni is great, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti for a delicious variation.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat the pasta with a splash of water or broth over low heat to maintain moisture. Meatballs can be warmed in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Can I make this spicier?

Yes! Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

The ricotta helps keep them moist, but be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture, as that can make them dense.

Can I make this dish low-carb?

Yes! Serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a lower-carb option.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. It’s quick, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, and let me know what you think.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more spinach-packed dishes? Try these next:

• Spinach and Feta Quesadillas – A crispy, cheesy, and flavorful meal!

• Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken – A protein-packed, flavor-packed dinner.

• Spinach & Artichoke Bagel Melts – A cheesy, comforting snack or meal.

Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!

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