Description
This Turkey Meatball Pesto Pasta is a high-protein dinner that combines juicy turkey meatballs, tender pasta, and vibrant pesto sauce for a fresh, satisfying meal in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for juicier meatballs)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined and form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Return meatballs to skillet over low heat. Add pasta, pesto, and a splash of pasta water. Toss gently until coated, adding more pasta water if needed for a silky sauce.
5. Divide into bowls, garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
Avoid overmixing meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Loosen thick pesto with a bit of olive oil before tossing with pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Turkey Meatball Pesto Pasta, High Protein Dinner, Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe, Healthy Pasta Dinner