Turkey Meatballs with Spinach Pasta

PregnancyItalian-AmericanEasyServes 235 min

Fully cooked lean turkey meatballs simmered in tomato sauce, served over whole wheat spaghetti with wilted spinach.

Iron from the lean turkey and spinach helps prevent maternal fatigue and supports the mother's expanding blood supply. Vitamin C in the tomato sauce maximizes how much of that iron the body naturally absorbs. Meanwhile, the high-quality protein fuels the baby's rapid tissue growth, and whole wheat pasta provides steady, reliable energy for the mother.

View Nutrition Facts

One serving≈710 kcal · 50 g protein

Calories710 kcal

Protein50 g

Carbs68 g · 13.2g sugar

Fat29 g · 7.6g sat

Fiber11 g

Sodium1,909 mg

Folate195 mcg DFE

Iron8.6 mg

Calcium368 mg

Choline219 mg

Iodine87 mcg

Vitamin D32 IU

Vitamin B121.9 mcg

DHA + EPA20 mg

Zinc5.8 mg

from its ingredients

Ingredients

10 oz lean ground turkey
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 oz grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can (15 oz) marinara sauce
2 cups dry whole wheat pasta (like spaghetti)
4 cups fresh spinach

Method

1Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2In a medium bowl, gently mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Do not overmix.
3Form the turkey mixture into 8 to 10 equal-sized meatballs.
4Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
5Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through (no longer pink in the center).
6Stir the spinach into the sauce during the last 2 minutes of simmering. Cook until the spinach is completely wilted.
7Divide the cooked pasta between two bowls and top generously with the meatballs, sauce, and spinach.

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