All Recipes - High-Protein MIND Diet Spaghetti and Meatballs

High-Protein MIND Diet Spaghetti and Meatballs

Name: High-Protein MIND Diet Spaghetti and Meatballs
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta, whole wheat or chickpea; 16 oz ground turkey; 0.5 cup walnuts finely ground; 2 tbsp ground flaxseed; 2 eggs; 4 tbsp whole wheat flour; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp pepper; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 14 oz marinara sauce (no sugar added); 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

These protein-packed turkey meatballs are baked to perfection and served with pasta tossed with marinara sauce. Boosted with walnuts, flaxseed, and whole grains, this MIND diet–friendly meal pairs beautifully with a simple side salad for a brain-healthy dinner.

Servings: 5

Ingredients

For the pasta

8 oz pasta, whole wheat or chickpea
14 oz marinara sauce (no sugar added)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast

For the Meatballs (Protein Boosted)

16 oz ground turkey
1/2 cup walnuts, finely ground
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 eggs
4 tbsp whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix turkey, walnuts, flaxseed, egg, flour, and spices in a bowl.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper .
Bake for 20 minutes, then flip.
Bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Heat up the marinara sauce
Boil the pasta according to package instructions.
Toss pasta with sauce, top with meatballs.
Optionally, sprinkle with nutritional yeast for extra protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad

Why You'll Love This

The meatballs are rich in omega-3s and fiber thanks to walnuts and flaxseed.
It’s an easy, balanced dinner that fits perfectly into the MIND diet lifestyle.
Pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad for a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal.

Published: Apr 11, 2025