---
title: Meatballs on Top of Cavatappi
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/meatballs-on-top-of-cavatappi-589205c4b32fbe7e531b5b53
servings: 2
prep_time: 10 minutes
cook_time: 20 minutes
time_required: 30 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Milk
  - Wheat
tags:
  - Child Friendly
  - Kid Friendly
  - Italian
  - Meatballs
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 6300
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Opinions varied; some found it bland while others loved the basil pesto flavor.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Italian%20Recipes/Meatballs/meatballs-on-top-of-cavatappi.avif"
---
Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil. Zest @lemon{1%unit} until you have 1 tsp zest, then cut lemon into wedges.

In a #large bowl{}, mix together @ground turkey{1%lb}, 2 tbsp @pesto{3%tbsp}, @panko breadcrumbs{2%tbsp}, and a pinch of @salt{1%tsp} and @pepper{1%tsp} until just combined. Gently shape mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs with hands—you should have about 12. TIP: Splash a little water on your hands to keep meat from sticking.

Place meatballs on a lightly oiled #baking sheet{}. Bake in oven until fully cooked through and no longer pink in center, ~{15%minutes}, flipping halfway through.

Meanwhile, add @cavatappi pasta{8%oz} to pot of boiling water. Cook ~{6%minutes}, stirring occasionally, then add @broccoli florets{1%cup} to pot. Continue cooking until cavatappi is al dente and broccoli is tender, about ~{3%minutes} more. Carefully ladle out and reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain. Return cavatappi and broccoli to pot.

Add @sour cream{2%tbsp}, remaining pesto, and meatballs to pot. Stir to combine, adding enough pasta cooking water to create a thick sauce that coats everything.

Divide pasta mixture between plates. Sprinkle with @parmesan cheese{2%tbsp} and lemon zest (to taste). Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.