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Kid-Friendly Carrot Turkey Meatball Penne Pasta

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Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup finely grated carrots I do this in my food processor
  • 1 clove finely minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • `1 egg
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp milk
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pound penne pasta or shape of choice
For the marinara
  • 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup grated onion
  • 1 clove finely minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Method
 

  1. Make meatballs by combining ground turkey, carrot, garlic, cheese, egg, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk.  Use a fork to gently combine ingredients until mixed well. (Using a fork keeps the meatballs light.)
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
  3. Form meatballs into 1 inch balls and add to the skillet and brown on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Remove the meatballs and to the same skillet add carrots, onion, and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions begin to soften.
  5. Add in crushed tomatoes, coconut sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes.*
  6. Add the meatballs back into the pan and make sure to coat them on all sides, nestled into the sauce.  Place lid on top and cook for 10-5 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Cook noodles until al dente and then toss with the meatballs and sauce.
  8. Top off with more parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

*Note:  If you want to puree your sauce for a smoother consistency do so before adding meatballs back into the sauce.