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Pesto Turkey Meatballs with Alfredo Sauce

Turkey pesto meatballs in a cast iron skillet, topped with pesto alfredo sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.
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Pesto Turkey Meatballs are rich, savory and packed with flavor. These baked turkey meatballs stay moist and juicy thanks to the addition of ricotta cheese. They are infused with flavor from the basil pesto sauce. The meatballs are topped with homemade pesto alfredo sauce, making this an easy, comfort food recipe for any night of the week!

Ingredients

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For the meatballs

  • 2 pounds lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto spread
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the pesto alfredo sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon basil pesto spread
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients needed for the pesto turkey meatballs.  Use your hands to thoroughly mix the meatball ingredients together.
  3. Use your hands to make 24 equally sized meatballs from the ground turkey mixture.  The meatballs will be about the size of a golf ball.  Place the meatballs onto a rimmed, parchment lined baking sheet, leaving a little bit of room between each meatball.   
  4. Transfer the meatballs to the oven and bake them at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.  The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach at least 165°F.  
  5. While the meatballs are cooking, make the alfredo sauce.  Add the butter and heavy cream to a small sauce pan and cook over low heat, until the butter has melted and the mixture comes to a very gentle simmer.  Once simmering, stir in the grated parmesan cheese, pesto sauce and garlic powder. Stir until the parmesan cheese has melted, and then remove the alfredo sauce from the heat.  Adjust the seasonings to taste. 
  6. Serve the meatballs topped with pesto alfredo sauce.  Enjoy!      

Notes

  • Add salt and pepper to the alfredo sauce to taste.  If you are using salted butter to make the sauce, then you may not need to add additional salt. 

Find it online: https://sugarandsnappeas.com/pesto-turkey-meatballs-with-ricotta-cheese/