Description
This vibrant and satisfying dish pairs juicy, lemon-scented turkey meatballs enriched with ricotta and herbs alongside a bed of garlicky spinach rigatoni. It’s a comforting yet light Italian-inspired meal, elevated with a hint of spice and a touch of zesty freshness.
Ingredients
For the 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
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
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the mixture.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the meatballs are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
While the meatballs are baking, cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic but not browned. Stir in the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Toss everything to combine. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Plate the garlic spinach rigatoni, top with the baked turkey meatballs, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
The ricotta in the meatballs adds a creamy texture that keeps them tender and moist. Lemon zest provides a bright counterpoint to the richness, while crushed red pepper offers a gentle heat. This dish is ideal for a balanced weeknight dinner with a gourmet feel.