This Turkey Meatballs and Ricotta with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni dish is everything a weeknight dinner should be—comforting, wholesome, and easy to pull together. Juicy turkey meatballs are enriched with creamy ricotta, served over pasta tossed in garlicky sautéed spinach and Parmesan. It’s a feel-good meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.
Why I Love This Recipe
This meal checks all the boxes: lean protein, hidden veggies, cheesy pasta, and just enough Italian-style indulgence to feel special. The ricotta keeps the meatballs incredibly tender, while the garlic spinach rigatoni adds a fresh, savory base that complements the richness beautifully.
For more warm, baked comfort food, check out our Instant Pot Lasagna or the crowd-pleasing Chicken Enchiladas.
📝 Ingredients
For the Turkey Ricotta Meatballs:
- ½ lb ground turkey
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking
For the Garlic Spinach Rigatoni:
- ½ lb rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
🥄 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Ricotta in the meatballs keeps them moist—don’t skip it!
- Ground turkey is lean and mild; ground chicken works too.
- Spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, mix:
- Ground turkey
- Ricotta
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Mix gently—don’t overwork.
Form into 12 small meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear meatballs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Lower heat, cover, and cook for 5–7 more minutes until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
Remove from skillet and keep warm.
3. Cook the Pasta
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Sauté Garlic & Spinach
In the same skillet used for meatballs, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Toss Pasta
Add cooked rigatoni and Parmesan to the skillet.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring to create a silky sauce.
Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble & Serve
Spoon pasta into bowls.
Top with turkey ricotta meatballs.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—it can make them tough.
- Use fresh spinach, but if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Reserve that pasta water—it’s liquid gold for creamy sauces without cream.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Add a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
- Pair with garlic bread and a glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon.
- Serve with a cozy side like Easy Turkey Wings for a full comfort food spread.
Planning a family-style dinner? Include Dorito Casserole or Sheet Pan Quesadillas to stretch the meal even further.
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water.
- Freeze: Meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.
🍝 More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Lasagna – Classic, cheesy layers made easy.
- Chicken Enchiladas – A melty, saucy favorite.
- Easy Turkey Wings – Fall-off-the-bone flavor.
- Dorito Casserole – Cheesy, crunchy, and always gone fast.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Family-friendly and fun to customize.
🔚 Final Thoughts
This Turkey Meatballs and Ricotta with Garlic Spinach Rigatoni is a cozy, complete meal that’s easy enough for a Tuesday night and special enough for a Sunday dinner. The creamy ricotta, hearty pasta, and garlicky greens strike just the right balance of rich and fresh.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and show us your plate! Drop a comment with your favorite garnish or a fun twist you added.
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