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Wholewheat Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs Recipe

You can still enjoy family pasta nights with this nutritious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs. Whole-wheat pasta is a healthy alternative, and the turkey meatballs are packed with lean protein and some added veggies. A homemade marinara sauce brings it all together and of course everyone loves a layer of fresh parmesan cheese on top!

Ingredients 8 servings Wholewheat Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 can of tomato pulp
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti

Turkey meatballs:

  • 3/4 pound ground turkey breast
  • 35 grams of breadcrumbs
  • 25 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons grated carrot
  • 2 tablespoons grated zucchini
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 protein

Description

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan to make the tomato sauce. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat until sauce has thickened slightly, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. and prepare a baking tray by covering it with non-stick foil. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the turkey meatballs. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and heat over medium heat until heated through.

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, drain and place in a serving bowl. Put the tomato sauce and meatballs on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.