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To make Garlic Herb Turkey Meatball Pasta, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of your choice - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. Ground turkey keeps it lean and healthy. Breadcrumbs add texture and help the meatballs hold together. Parmesan cheese gives a savory kick. Garlic brings flavor and aroma, while the egg binds the mixture. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add a burst of freshness. Dried oregano adds depth. Marinara sauce is perfect for coating the meatballs and pasta. You can choose any pasta you love, but spaghetti works great. Olive oil adds richness, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves for garnish make the dish look pretty and add a final touch of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the meatballs evenly. A hot oven helps them turn golden brown and keeps them juicy. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients. You’ll be ready to mix soon! In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to blend everything well. Don’t overmix; just combine until it holds together. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy! While the meatballs bake for 20-25 minutes, cook your pasta. Follow the package instructions for al dente pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. When the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for 5-10 minutes. This lets the flavors blend well. Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the meatballs and sauce in a big serving bowl. Toss gently to coat everything. Now, you’re ready to serve! To keep your meatballs moist, use ground turkey with some fat. Lean turkey can dry out. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture and flavor. Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Mix just until combined to keep them tender. Bake them at a high temperature to seal in juices quickly. Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water. The salt adds flavor. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Check the package for cooking time, but taste a piece a minute or two early. You want it al dente, firm but not hard. Drain the pasta, but reserve a cup of pasta water. This starchy water can help thicken your sauce later. To boost your marinara sauce, add fresh herbs. A handful of chopped basil or parsley can brighten the flavor. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes for heat. Simmer the sauce with the baked meatballs for at least 5-10 minutes. This melds the flavors well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and basil enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried versions. Always opt for fresh when possible! Don’t Overmix: When forming the meatballs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the marinara sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meatballs for more flavor. Try using ground chicken or beef. If you want a kick, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, mix in some feta cheese or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option. While spaghetti is classic, you can use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli, penne, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) work great. Each shape holds the sauce differently, giving you a new experience. Try whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. You can also make this a low-carb dish. Use spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Both options are tasty and will keep your meal light. Just adjust your cooking time to make sure they are tender. To keep your Garlic Herb Turkey Meatball Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool down before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave for quick warming. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer the stove, heat it on low in a pan. Add a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label them with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. Reheat in a saucepan until hot. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead. You can mix the ingredients and shape them. Store the raw meatballs in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This saves time on busy nights. You can also freeze the raw meatballs for later use. Place them in a single layer on a tray. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you want to switch the ground turkey, there are plenty of options. Ground chicken is a great choice and has a similar taste. You can also use lean ground beef or pork for richer flavor. For a plant-based option, try using lentils or chickpeas. Both provide texture and are healthy. Just mash them slightly before mixing with other ingredients. This keeps the meatball shape while being tasty and filling. To check if your meatballs are done, look for a few signs. They should be golden brown on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to check the center temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be no longer pink, and juices should run clear. If you see any pink, bake them a bit longer. Trust your eyes and nose; they will guide you to perfect meatballs. This blog post covered all you need for a tasty meatball and pasta dish. You learned about the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips to make your meal shine. Remember to explore variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Storing and reheating properly ensures nothing goes to waste. With these insights, you can make a delicious dish every time. Enjoy cooking and sharing these flavors with family and friends!

Garlic Herb Turkey Meatball Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring turkey meatballs infused with garlic and herbs, served with marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
  • 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs, then bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are finished baking, add them to the sauce, gently simmering for 5-10 minutes to mingle the flavors.
  • In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meatball and sauce mixture, toss gently to coat.
  • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Keyword garlic, herbs, marinara, pasta, turkey meatballs