Enjoy guilt-free family pasta nights with this expert-approved twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs. As a seasoned home cook and nutrition enthusiast, I've crafted this recipe using whole wheat pasta for added fiber, lean turkey meatballs packed with protein and hidden veggies, and a rich homemade marinara sauce. Finish with fresh Parmesan for that authentic Italian touch everyone craves.
Ingredients (8 servings) for Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce:
Turkey Meatballs:
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat to prepare the tomato sauce. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with non-stick foil. In a large bowl, combine all turkey meatball ingredients. Form into 16 meatballs and place on the prepared tray. Bake for 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Add the meatballs to the sauce and warm through over medium heat.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, drain, and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the sauce and meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra grated Parmesan if desired.
