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Caprese Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti

Upgrade your spaghetti night with these juicy turkey meatballs, infused with sundried tomatoes and basil, and filled with melty mozzarella at the centre. This Caprese-inspired twist on the classic pasta dish is flavourful, family-friendly, and sure to impress—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Pasta Range: Italpasta
Pasta Shape: Spaghetti
Cooking Skill: Expert
Collection: New Favourites
Serves: 4
Calories: 720kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (500 mL) lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1 jar (75 mL) very finely diced, jarred sundried tomatoes (patted dry)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme leaves)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
  • 3 oz (90 g) brick mozzarella cheese cut in 12 even size cubes

Pasta and Sauce

  • 375 g Italpasta Spaghetti (approx ¼ of package)
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 jar (680 mL) strained tomatoes Passata
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
  • 1 pinch chili pepper flakes

Garnish

  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped fresh parsley
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C).
  • Mix together all meatball ingredients (except for cubed mozzarella) and form into 12 even size meatballs. Place one piece of cheese into the center of each meatball and form back into ball shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight).
  • Place meatballs in preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through, while preparing pasta and sauce.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring, for about 3 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly brown.
  • Add Passata, garlic, salt and chili flakes. Simmer while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Toss cooked pasta with sauce. Divide evenly between serving dishes. Top evenly with meatballs, and garnish each portion evenly with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Tips

● Use ground pork or beef instead of ground turkey for meatballs.
● Drizzle dish with balsamic glaze right before serving for an extra pizzazz of Caprese flavour.

Nutritional Analysis

Calories: 720kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 1070mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g