Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs
A lighter take on a classic comfort food! Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce, served over whole wheat spaghetti. A wholesome and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
For 4 servings
Prepare the turkey meatballs.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, 0.5 tsp of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 12-16 small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
TIPOverworking the meat can make the meatballs tough. Mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed.Brown the meatballs.
Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They don't need to be cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside on a plate.
Start the marinara sauce.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil to the same pot.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the sauce with meatballs.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the remaining 1 tsp of dried oregano and 1 tsp of dried basil.
- Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Gently return the browned meatballs to the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld.
TIPA longer, slow simmer develops a richer, deeper flavor in the marinara sauce.Cook the spaghetti.
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt, then add the whole wheat spaghetti. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well.
Serve and garnish.
Divide the cooked spaghetti among four bowls. Top with the marinara sauce and turkey meatballs. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce with the garlic.
- 2Use a small ice cream scoop to make uniformly sized meatballs.
- 3The sauce and meatballs can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
- 4Don't rinse the pasta after draining. The starch on the surface helps the sauce cling to it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use certified gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
low carbLow carb
Omit the spaghetti and serve the meatballs and marinara sauce over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or steamed cauliflower rice.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the ground turkey to 1 lb (454g) and use a protein-enriched pasta to boost the protein content per serving.
quickQuick
To save time, use a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch. Simply brown the meatballs and simmer them in the jarred sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Complex Carbohydrates
Whole wheat spaghetti provides complex carbohydrates and fiber, offering sustained energy release and promoting digestive health.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is quite healthy. It uses lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, and a homemade sauce with no added sugar. It's a well-balanced meal with protein, complex carbs, and vegetables.