🦃 Savory, tender, and deliciously creamy, these Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni are a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. Juicy turkey-ricotta meatballs pair beautifully with garlicky spinach-infused rigatoni, creating a balanced, hearty meal the whole family will love. 🧄✨
⸻
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
🦃 Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs
• ½ pound ground turkey
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
⸻
🍝 Garlic Spinach Rigatoni
• ½ pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
⸻
🔥 Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Mix gently until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
• Form into 12 small meatballs.
⸻
2. Cook the Meatballs
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Sear meatballs on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 5–7 minutes more.
• Remove from skillet and keep warm.
⸻
3. Cook the Rigatoni
• Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
⸻
4. Prepare the Garlic Spinach Sauce
• In the same skillet used for the meatballs, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
• Toss in cooked rigatoni and Parmesan cheese.
• Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⸻
5. Assemble the Plate
• Serve the garlic spinach rigatoni on a plate or in a bowl.
• Top with turkey and ricotta meatballs.
• Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.
⸻
✨ A comforting, flavorful meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
#turkeyricottameatballs #garlicspinachrigatoni #ComfortFoodDelight #QuickAndFlavorful #CreamyAndDelicious #BrightAndBalanced