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Turkey meatballs in marinara over whole wheat spaghetti topped with basil and Parmesan

Easy Turkey Meatballs with Marinara in 35 Minutes

Juicy turkey meatballs simmered in marinara and served over whole wheat spaghetti. Lean ground turkey and a jar of good sauce turn a weeknight classic into an easy 35-minute dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan plus more for serving
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 24 oz marinara sauce one jar
  • 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil torn, optional
  • 8 cups water for boiling the spaghetti

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, panko, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined, then roll into 16 meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total; they will not be cooked through yet.
  3. Pour the marinara over the meatballs, lower the heat, cover and simmer 12-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and register 165 °F on an instant-read thermometer.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  5. If the sauce looks thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti, topped with torn basil and extra Parmesan.