Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta is a light, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that pairs juicy homemade meatballs with a zesty, buttery pasta. The turkey meatballs are pan-seared until golden and then tossed in a garlicky butter sauce that soaks right into the lemony noodles. I love how this dish feels both fresh and comforting—perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s full of bright flavor but still cozy. The turkey meatballs are juicy and well-seasoned, the lemon brings a fresh twist, and the garlic butter sauce ties it all together. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels fancy enough to serve to guests. I also like that it’s lighter than a cream-based pasta but still rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the turkey meatballs:

• Ground turkey

• Garlic, minced

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Egg

• Breadcrumbs

• Salt and black pepper

• Dried Italian seasoning

• Olive oil or butter (for cooking)

For the lemon pasta:

• Spaghetti, linguine, or pasta of choice

• Garlic, minced

• Unsalted butter

• Lemon zest and juice

• Pasta water (reserved from boiling)

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, extra Parmesan

Directions

1. I start by cooking the pasta according to package directions. I reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta cooks, I mix the turkey meatball ingredients in a bowl until combined. I roll the mixture into small balls, about 1–1.5 inches in size.

3. I heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). I transfer them to a plate.

4. In the same skillet, I melt butter and add minced garlic. I cook for about 1 minute, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

5. I return the meatballs to the skillet and toss them gently in the lemon garlic butter sauce.

6. I add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water, tossing until everything is coated and silky.

7. I garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 30–35 minutes total—15 minutes for prep and 15–20 minutes to cook.

Variations

Sometimes I swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef. I’ve also added spinach or peas to the pasta for some extra green. For a dairy-free version, I skip the cheese and use a little nutritional yeast instead. If I want more protein, I top it with a poached egg or add extra meatballs.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice to keep the pasta from drying out. The meatballs can also be reheated separately in the microwave or oven.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes. I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through. It’s a great hands-off option.

What type of pasta works best?

I usually go with spaghetti or linguine, but any long noodle works. Short pasta like penne or fusilli is good too—just make sure it holds onto the sauce.

Is this dish very lemony?

It’s bright but balanced. I adjust the lemon juice and zest to my taste—more if I want it zippier, less for a milder flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. I use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and swap in gluten-free pasta for a fully gluten-free meal.

What can I serve with this?

I like pairing it with a green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a full meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Pasta is a flavorful and easy dinner that blends zesty citrus, savory garlic, and juicy turkey in every bite. It’s a fresh take on classic comfort food, and I love how fast it comes together without sacrificing taste. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving a table full of guests, this dish always shines.

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