Description
Juicy, tender 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! The ricotta keeps the meatballs ultra-soft, while fresh spinach and garlic-infused olive oil coat the pasta in a simple yet delicious sauce. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and freshness, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a cozy but wholesome meal.
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)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3️⃣ Shape & Bake
Roll into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temp).
4️⃣ Cook the Rigatoni
While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5️⃣ 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 the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
6️⃣ 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!
Notes
-
Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
-
Dairy-free option – Swap ricotta for a dairy-free alternative like cashew ricotta.
-
More zest? – Add extra lemon zest for a brighter, citrusy kick.
-
Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.
- Equipment
Baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: turkey meatballs, ricotta meatballs, garlic spinach pasta, rigatoni recipe, easy weeknight dinner