Pesto Spaghetti and Meatballs
Here’s a new look to an old classic. Spaghetti and meatballs has gone green-with fresh herbs and spices that is. The result is a deliciously satisfying and flavorful meal that is as pleasing to your palate as it is to your wallet
Pesto Spaghetti and Meatballs
Serves 6-8
2 cups of fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup olive oil plus 5 tablespoons, divided
10 cloves pressed garlic, divided
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan, divided
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 (1.3 pound) package ground turkey meat
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 egg
2 tablespoons Italian style breadcrumbs
1 (13.25 ounce) package whole wheat spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
Preheat oven to 350. In a small Cuisinart, add basil and 1/3 cup olive oil and pulse until smooth. Add in 5 cloves pressed garlic and an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil and pulse again for another minute. Finish by adding in 5 tablespoons of grated Parmesan, pulsing one final time, and seasoning to taste with salt.
In a medium bowl, add turkey meat, remaining garlic, remaining cheese, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and begin mixing. Add egg and mix until mixture picks up a glossy finish and egg is evenly dispersed then add in breadcrumbs. Mix again until all elements are evenly combined. Next form turkey mixture into 1″ balls.
In a large saute pan over high heat, add remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and fry balls until browned all around (work in batches so that meat is not overcrowded). Stir the balls constantly so that they retain their shape and cook about 6-8 minutes until fully browned. Add browned meatballs to a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until fully cooked on the inside.
To assemble pasta: mix cooked whole wheat spaghetti with pesto sauce and top with baked turkey meatballs. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired and by all means: Enjoy!
Tags: affordable, dinner, easy dinners, fast, pesto and pasta, spaghetti and meatballs, turkey meatballs
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