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Costco Turkey Meatball Pasta

Kirkland Italian turkey meatballs and Rao's marinara make the best weeknight pasta — ready in 25 minutes, lighter than beef, and as satisfying as anything from a red-sauce restaurant.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Servings
5
Cost / Serving
$8.39

Quick Answer

Simmer Kirkland Italian turkey meatballs in Rao's marinara for 10 minutes while pasta cooks, toss together with reserved pasta water, and finish with Parmesan. Lighter than beef but just as satisfying. Ready in 25 minutes; serves 5.

Costco's Kirkland Italian turkey meatballs are a pantry hero — fully cooked, frozen, and ready in minutes. This recipe pairs them with Rao's marinara and a generous handful of Parmigiano-Reggiano for a weeknight pasta that tastes like it took effort. The meatballs warm through directly in the sauce in 15 minutes, so dinner is done in the time it takes to boil water.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, add olive oil and red pepper flakes to a large, deep skillet over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Add frozen meatballs. Cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes until they start to brown on the outside.

  4. 4

    Pour marinara over the meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, turning meatballs halfway, until heated through.

  5. 5

    Add drained pasta to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

  6. 6

    Serve topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh basil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook Kirkland Italian turkey meatballs?+
Kirkland turkey meatballs are fully cooked and just need to be heated through. In the oven: bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. In a skillet: brown lightly in oil for 5 minutes, then simmer in sauce for 12 minutes. In the microwave: 2–3 minutes for a small portion. Simmering in sauce gives the best result — the meatballs absorb flavor from the marinara.
Are Kirkland turkey meatballs healthy?+
Compared to traditional beef meatballs, Kirkland turkey meatballs are lower in fat and calories while still providing good protein. Each meatball is approximately 60–70 calories with about 5g of protein. They're a solid lean protein choice for weeknight pasta.
Can I use Kirkland beef meatballs instead of turkey meatballs for this recipe?+
Yes — Kirkland also sells Italian beef and pork meatballs. They work identically in this recipe. The beef version has richer flavor; the turkey version is lighter. Both simmer in the marinara the same way.
How long do cooked turkey meatballs in sauce last in the fridge?+
Turkey meatballs simmered in marinara sauce last 4–5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They reheat well on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce. The flavor deepens overnight.
Can I freeze turkey meatballs in marinara sauce?+
Yes — this combination freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

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