Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta is a delicious and light dish that features juicy turkey meatballs tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over zesty lemon pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your choice of pasta
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Timing

Making Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meatballs

1. Toss Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, tossing to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
2. Add Meatballs: Gently add the baked turkey meatballs to the pasta, tossing to combine.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	40g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes into the pasta for added nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the freshness of lemon. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week!

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if preferred.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.