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Fresh Cherry Tomato Pasta with Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs with parmesan, basil, and cherry tomatoes that have blistered over heat. A lightened-up version of spaghetti with meatballs!
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Make-Ahead or Freezer Meals
Keyword: italian recipes, pasta recipe
Servings: 4
Author: Ruthy Kirwan

Equipment

  • 1 Large Saute Pan
  • 1 6 QT Pot with Lid

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 garlic clove
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk

For the pasta:

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves minced

Instructions

Prep Ahead:

  • Preheat the oven to 350*F.
  • Add the ground beef, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, and milk or cream to a large food processor and blend until smooth, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides.
  • Remove the mixture from the food processor and roll into balls about 2” wide, placing the balls in rows on a large sheet pan.
  • Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Once cool enough to handle, transfer the meatballs to a resealable bag or container.
  • Meatballs will store in the fridge for up to 1 week or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Prepare From Prepped:

  • If frozen, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta to it to cook.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large saute pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Sear the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they start to brown.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan, tossing to combine with the meatballs.
  • Let the tomatoes cook and start to blister open, using a wooden spoon to press them open and release extra moisture.
  • Add half the parmesan and stir to mix.
  • When the pasta is cooked, drain, reserving ½ cup pf pasta liquid.
  • Add the pasta and reserved liquid to the pan.
  • Turn the heat to medium-low and bring to simmer.
  • Let the mixture cook for about 5-8 minutes, letting the cheese and starch from the pasta water thicken into a light sauce.
  • Add the remaining parmesan and stir.
  • Remove from the heat and add the minced basil.
  • Serve hot with a side of crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce.

Make From Fresh:

  • Preheat the oven to 350*F.
  • Add the ground beef, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, and milk or cream to a large food processor and blend until smooth, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides.
  • Remove the mixture from the food processor and roll into balls about 2” wide, placing the balls in rows on a large sheet pan.
  • Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta to it to cook.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large saute pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Sear the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they start to brown.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan, tossing to combine with the meatballs.
  • Let the tomatoes cook and start to blister open, using a wooden spoon to press them open and release extra moisture.
  • Add half the parmesan and stir to mix.
  • When the pasta is cooked, drain, reserving ½ cup pf pasta liquid.
  • Add the pasta and reserved liquid to the pan.
  • Turn the heat to medium-low and bring to simmer.
  • Let the mixture cook for about 5-8 minutes, letting the cheese and starch from the pasta water thicken into a light sauce.
  • Add the remaining parmesan and stir.
  • Remove from the heat and add the minced basil.
  • Serve hot with a side of crusty garlic bread to mop up the sauce.

Video

Notes

This easy tomato pasta is a lightened-up version of spaghetti and the one I turn to when I’m craving spaghetti marinara but don’t want to commit to slaving over the stove for it! The meatballs are easily prepped ahead of time; I’ll usually double the recipe, since they make a great last-minute dinner, whether they’re going in this recipe or another. Use any type of cherry tomato you want here- or, if you can’t get cherry tomatoes, diced fresh tomatoes will work great, also.