Turkey Meatballs with Whole Wheat Pasta

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
   2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
   1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   2. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. (They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage as they will finish cooking in the sauce.)
   3. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
   2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
   4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
   5. Add the meatballs back to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
   6. Stir in fresh basil if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   1. While the sauce and meatballs are simmering, cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
   2. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. Serve:
   1. Plate the cooked pasta and top with the turkey meatballs and sauce.
   2. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
   3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Shopping List

Meat and Dairy:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 large egg

Fresh Produce:

• 1 small onion (for meatballs)
• 1 small onion (for sauce)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (optional for sauce)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Canned Goods:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

Pantry Items:

• Whole wheat pasta (12 oz spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Items (optional):

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)