Description
Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta is a vibrant, comforting dish featuring juicy turkey meatballs in a zesty lemon butter sauce tossed with pasta. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for both casual weeknights and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, half the minced garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Wipe the skillet clean, melt remaining butter, and sauté remaining garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and a splash of pasta water to the skillet to create a sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and heat through for a few minutes.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- You can bake the meatballs at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- To make a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
