Baked Meatball Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty baked meatballs in a mild tomato-basil sauce with tender pasta, designed to make picky eaters reach for seconds without the fuss. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes blends spaghetti, ground turkey, bread crumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Form into 20 meatballs.
  3. Step 3: Place meatballs on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 cup tomato basil pasta sauce, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Add drained spaghetti and baked meatballs to skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and sauce coats pasta evenly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Meatball Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Baked Meatball Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Meatball Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Meatball Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Meatball Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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