Creamy Turkey Meatball Pasta

Indulge in a delightful dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the heartiness of turkey meatballs and pasta. This Creamy Turkey Meatball Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatballs:
    • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 egg
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Pasta:
    • 8 ounces (225g) uncooked pasta (any shape)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
    • In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
    • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter.
  2. Cook the Meatballs:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Pasta:
    • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
    • In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
    • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine Everything:
    • Add the cooked pasta and meatballs to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Serve:
    • Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Meatball Texture: For tender meatballs, do not overmix the ingredients when forming them.
  • Pasta Cooking Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta; use it wisely to achieve your desired creaminess.
  • Flavor Boost: Consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

This Creamy Turkey Meatball Pasta is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy this hearty meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

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