Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce is not just a meal—it's a journey of bold flavors, tender meatballs, and a sauce that will have you craving seconds before you've even finished your first bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your dinner guests, this recipe combines the comfort of classic Italian-inspired cuisine with a healthy, protein-packed twist that doesn't compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of spaghetti, 1 lb of ground turkey, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 cups of tomato sauce, 1 tsp of red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will season the spaghetti as it cooks.
- While the water is heating up, prepare the turkey meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Once the mixture is combined, form the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 12-16 meatballs depending on the size you make.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour in the tomato sauce and add the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once the sauce is simmering, gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are simmering, return to the pot of boiling water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- After draining, return the spaghetti to the pot. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce until well coated.
- To serve, place a generous portion of spaghetti on each plate, top with turkey meatballs and sauce, and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce!
Tips
- Keep your meatballs tender by avoiding overworking the meat mixture. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining—its starchy goodness helps the sauce cling to the spaghetti.
- For extra flavor, toast your breadcrumbs lightly before mixing them into the meatball mixture.
- If you like it spicier, adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
- For a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
