If you’re looking for a meal that brings together all the best flavors of Italy in just one pan, you’re going to fall in love with this Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet. Picture tender turkey meatballs swimming in a garlicky tomato sauce, nestled amongst chewy pasta, creamy mozzarella, and crowned with fresh basil. Every bite is bright, cheesy, and satisfying. Not only does this dish check the boxes for “weeknight-easy” and “crowd-pleasing,” but it also nails the Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet trifecta: delicious, wholesome, and beautiful to serve.

Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple but vibrant ingredients are the heart of this recipe, and each one is essential to delivering a dish that’s both homey and restaurant-worthy. They layer flavor, add bursty color, and help make this Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet an absolute showstopper.

Ground turkey: Lean and mild, turkey makes the meatballs tender and lets all the Italian flavors shine.
Breadcrumbs: These create a light, juicy meatball by holding in moisture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the meatballs and a signature Italian touch.
Large egg: Binds the meatball mixture together for perfect shaping.
Minced garlic: Delivers robust, savory flavor to both the meatballs and the sauce.
Dried Italian seasoning: Gives the entire skillet that classic Mediterranean flair.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of gentle heat to every bite.
Olive oil: For browning the meatballs and building a delicious foundation in the skillet.
Penne or rotini pasta: Short shapes trap sauce and cheese for a satisfying mouthful.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Once sautéed, these become juicy bursts of sweetness throughout the dish.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade—it’s the luscious, tomatoey backbone.
Mozzarella pearls or cubes: Melty, creamy cheese that gets delightfully gooey in the finished skillet.
Fresh basil leaves (chopped): For a pop of vibrant, aromatic flavor right at the end.
Extra basil and Parmesan for garnish: Because a little freshness and salty finish is always welcome.

How to Make Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a lively boil, then toss in your pasta of choice. Cook until just al dente—don’t overdo it, as the pasta will finish mingling with the sauce later. Drain well and set aside, so your Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet has the perfect, not-too-soft bite.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Turkey Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—just until everything comes together; overmixing can make meatballs tough. Use a tablespoon to scoop and roll them into small, even balls for tenderness and fast cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat your olive oil in a roomy oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add your turkey meatballs in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, until beautifully browned all over and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. Once they’re golden and ready, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Tomatoes and Build Your Sauce

In the same skillet, pop in the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to collapse and release their juices, infusing the pan with sweet, summery flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in your cooked pasta, nestling everything together in the saucy base.

Step 5: Combine, Melt the Cheese, and Finish with Basil

Nestle the meatballs back into the skillet, gently mixing so they’re surrounded by sauce and pasta. Scatter mozzarella pearls or cubes all over the top, cover with a lid or foil, and let it all warm for another 2 to 3 minutes until gloriously melty. Finish your Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet with a fresh basil shower and an extra grating of Parmesan for irresistible Italian flair.

How to Serve Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

Don’t skip that final flourish! A few more torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan not only look beautiful but also add bursts of freshness and umami that will make each serving of Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet pop with color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this skillet with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette, or serve with garlicky roasted vegetables to round out the meal. A loaf of crusty Italian bread is never out of place and perfect for swiping up every bit of the delicious sauce left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it family-style at the table in the very skillet you cooked it in—garnished and bubbling, it looks dramatic and inviting. For a dinner party twist, spoon into individual baking dishes, top with extra mozzarella, and broil briefly for irresistible bubbly cheese on top. Or portion into small bowls as a playful pasta-and-meatball appetizer at a casual gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any uneaten Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors meld together even more, making leftovers crave-worthy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish for future busy nights! Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to two months—just note that mozzarella pearls may have a slightly different texture after freezing but will still taste great.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinara if the pasta looks a little dry. You can also zap a single portion in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe, though turkey tends to be a bit juicier. Whichever you choose, the results will be equally delicious in your Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short buttercup shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because they hold sauce and cheese in every nook and cranny, making each bite more satisfying. However, feel free to use your favorite bite-sized pasta shape with the same great results.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix, shape, and even brown the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and simply proceed with the recipe when you’re ready to make your Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

While it adds some versatility if you want to finish the dish under the broiler for a bubbly cheese top, it’s not strictly necessary. Any large, deep skillet with a lid works perfectly for melting the mozzarella and finishing the recipe on the stovetop.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs. Everything else in this Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet is naturally gluten-free, so you’re set for a fabulous dinner everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you love a meal that’s hearty, full of color, and sure to win over everyone at the table, give this Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet a try. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, but special enough for slow weekends with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to enjoy all that melty cheese, juicy meatballs, and basil-scented goodness in one warm and wonderful bite!

Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Caprese Turkey Meatball Pasta Skillet combines tender turkey meatballs, cherry tomatoes, pasta, and mozzarella in a flavorful one-skillet meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta Skillet:

2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Extra basil and Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Make the Turkey Meatballs: Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form meatballs and cook until browned.
Prepare the Skillet: Sauté cherry tomatoes, add marinara sauce and cooked pasta. Return meatballs to the skillet, top with mozzarella, cover, and cook until cheese melts.
Serve: Garnish with basil and Parmesan.