Turkey & Spinach Meatballs With Whole Wheat Penne
Hearty turkey meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce over whole wheat penne. Fresh baby spinach adds a powerful boost of color and antioxidants to this comforting classic.
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
Makes
4 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthEveryday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Large pot · Mixing bowl · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Storage: These meatballs freeze beautifully; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze the meatball-sauce mixture for up to 2 months.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Bring a large pot of generously salted…
- 01
Bring a large pot of generously salted…
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Look for: al dente, then drain and set aside
Tap card to mark done - 02
Gently combine the ground turkey
In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Form the mixture into 12-16 golf-ball-sized meatballs.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Heat the olive oil in a large…
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
Look for: browned on all sides
Tap card to mark done - 04
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs…
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Look for: the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F)
Tap card to mark done - 05
Uncover and stir the fresh baby spinach…
Uncover and stir the fresh baby spinach into the simmering sauce. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until beautifully wilted.
Look for: beautifully wilted
Tap card to mark done - 06
Divide the cooked penne into bowls
Divide the cooked penne into bowls, top with the turkey meatballs and spinach marinara, and serve warm.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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