– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound rigatoni pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Follow these simple steps to create Zesty Turkey & Ricotta Meatballs with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook the Rigatoni: While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Combine Sauce and Meatballs: Add the marinara sauce and baked meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
9. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together until well mixed.
10. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately.