Turkey-Herb Meatballs with Pasta

Name: Turkey-Herb Meatballs with Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 pound ground turkey (lean); 0.5 cup breadcrumbs ((or gluten-free breadcrumbs)); 0.25 cup milk ((or dairy-free milk)); 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 2 clove garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 jar marinara sauce; 1 can crushed tomatoes; 1 pound spaghetti ((or gluten-free spaghetti)); 0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Flavorful lean turkey meatballs infused with Italian herbs, simmered in a rich marinara sauce and served over spaghetti.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 50 min
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: $2.74/serving

Dietary

Nut-Free
Egg-Free
High-Protein
High-Fiber

Ingredients

1.5 pound ground turkey (lean)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs ((or gluten-free breadcrumbs))
0.25 cup milk ((or dairy-free milk))
0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
2 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 jar marinara sauce
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 pound spaghetti ((or gluten-free spaghetti))
0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

In a large bowl, gently combine the lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until just mixed. Do not overmix.
Form the mixture into 18-20 golf-ball sized meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don't need to be cooked through, just browned.
Carefully pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
While the meatballs simmer, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain.
Serve the turkey-herb meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil, if desired. Accompany with a simple green salad.

Notes

For gluten-free or dairy-free needs, use corresponding breadcrumbs and milk substitutes. The meatballs and sauce freeze well for future meals.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 614
Protein: 34.9 g
Carbohydrates: 79.8 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 7.3 g
Sodium: 967 mg
Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
Sugar: 9.9 g
Cholesterol: 91 mg