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Homemade Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce photo

Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce

A hearty whole-wheat spaghetti with spicy chipotle-tomato sauce and juicy turkey meatballs.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (for sauce)
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes liquid included
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh oregano chopped
  • 1 teaspoon canned chipotle in adobo finely minced, or more/less to taste
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 slice fresh whole-wheat bread pulsed into crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan grated, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup carrot finely grated
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped (for meatballs)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (for meatballs)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley minced, plus more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme minced
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 16 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti one box

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook 1 minute more, then stir in the 28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chopped oregano, 1 teaspoon minced chipotle, the rosemary sprig, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes until it has reduced slightly; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  5. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground turkey, pulsed whole-wheat bread crumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons minced parsley, 2 teaspoons minced thyme, 1 lightly beaten large egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper; mix until just combined.
  6. Form the mixture into 2½-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Broil about 10 minutes until browned and almost cooked through.
  7. Remove the rosemary sprig from the sauce and stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves.
  8. Add the broiled meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer 10 minutes more until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs are cooked through.
  9. While the meatballs finish cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 16-ounce whole-wheat spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.
  10. Return the drained pasta to the pot, add the sauce and meatballs, toss to combine, and heat through over medium heat. Divide among 6 bowls and garnish with additional parsley and about 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan per serving, if desired.

Notes

  • I like to use the Barilla brand pasta.
  • Make ahead: form meatballs, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • The sauce can be made ahead of time.
  • Chipotle adds significant heat; add gradually to taste.