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Close-up top view of turkey pesto meatballs in a creamy sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce, in a skillet with a serving spoon.

Turkey Pesto Meatballs


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  • Author: chefjar
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Juicy baked turkey meatballs with rich pesto flavor, smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce. Perfect atop your favorite pasta! 


Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Meatballs

  • 2 pounds lean ground turkey
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond meal)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
  • 2 heaping teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt

The Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/ 4 cup pureed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cooking cream (35 % fat)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, to garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix all the ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. Shape into meatballs ( about 18-20 meatballs that were about 2 inches across).
  • Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a quick spray with cooking oil. Then, pop them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy outside and cooked inside.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and pureed sun-dried tomatoes, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until it melts.
  • Add in the baked meatballs and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce gets a bit thicker.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Serve with pasta of your choice!
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Store:

  • Cool First: Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool to room temperature.
  • Refrigerate: Transfer the meatballs and sauce into airtight containers. Keep them stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze:

  • Separate or Together: You can choose to freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or together, depending on your future meal plans.
  • Freeze Meatballs: Place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
  • Freeze Sauce: Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
  • Label and Date: Always label and date your items before placing them in the freezer. This way, you'll know what it is and how long it's been stored.
  • Longevity: The frozen meatballs and sauce can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Category: Ground Turkey Recipes
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 512 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 505 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 88 mg