Turkey Meatballs W Spicy Tomato Sauce and Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these flavorful Turkey Meatballs with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Whole Wheat Spaghetti! Made with lean ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, and a touch of Parmesan, these tender meatballs are seasoned to perfection and browned to achieve a golden, caramelized crust. Simmered in a zesty tomato sauce infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs, they deliver a delightful kick of heat that perfectly complements the hearty nutty flavor of whole wheat spaghetti. This balanced dish is easy to make in under an hour, packed with protein and fiber, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a restaurant-quality touch. Ideal for cozy family dinners or effortless entertaining, this recipe will become a staple in your rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground turkey
- 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 12 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
Form the mixture into about 16-18 small meatballs (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter) and set them aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the remaining minced garlic (2 cloves) and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and stir in basil, oregano, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce over the meatballs.
While the meatballs cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Serve the meatballs and spicy tomato sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1968 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 93.0 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.1 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 562 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 4310 mg | 187% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.7 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.1 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.2 g | ||
| Protein | 133.1 g | 266% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 498 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 17.5 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 2426 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
