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!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Form the mixture into about 16-18 small meatballs (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter) and set them aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Serve the meatballs and spicy tomato sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1761.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1967.5

Total Fat 93.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 561.5mg	0%
Sodium 4310.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.1g	0%
Total Sugars 39.2g
Protein 133.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 498.3mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 2425.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.1%

Protein: 26.1%

Carbs: 32.7%