Classic Turkey Meatball and Marinara Pasta Bake

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Tender turkey meatballs baked in a rich tomato marinara sauce with tender pasta, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting family meal. This Italian-inspired kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb lean ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 large beaten egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz uncooked penne pasta for 8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey meatballs and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
  5. Step 5: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta, 3 cups marinara sauce, and browned meatballs. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil before serving.

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