Lunch: Mini Turkey Meatballs with Wagon Wheel Pasta Recipe | MyRecipes

Recipe by Amanda Haas Put a twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs with this to-die-for dish. Turkey meatballs and fun wagon wheel pasta sprinkled with fresh Parmesan cheese is the perfect combination for any pasta lover.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Basil

Health benefits of Mini Turkey Meatballs with Wagon Wheel Pasta Recipe | MyRecipes

Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

12 ounces uncooked wagon wheel pasta
1/2 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 1/4 pounds 97% lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed, crushed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup water
1 (25.5-ounce) jar organic pasta sauce
2 ounces finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

Prepare pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and place in a large bowl; keep warm.
While pasta cooks, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand 5 minutes; squeeze out excess milk, and place in a large bowl. Add turkey, parsley, basil, 1 tablespoon oil, and next 5 ingredients (through garlic). Gently shape meat mixture into 48 (1-inch) balls (do not pack).
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil; swirl to coat. Add half of meatballs to pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining meatballs. Return all meatballs to pan. Stir in 1/2 cup water, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in pasta sauce; cook, uncovered, over medium-high heat for an additional 3 minutes. Pour over pasta, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.
Kids Can Help: With clean hands, kids can shape the meatballs.