Penne Ragu with Turkey Meatballs

While trying to watch what your eating you want to chose meats on the lighter calorie side, however, this tends to come with less flavor- not as juicy as the fats from hamburger may have, But! no fear, these turkey meatballs will definitely satisfy.



Meatballs
What you will need:
1 pkg of ground turkey
1/2 pkg of onion soup mix
2 tbsp. of bread crumbs
1 tsp. of oregano
1 tsp. of Italian seasoning
4 leaves of fresh basil chopped finely
2 minced cloves of garlic

Ragu
What you will need:
1 can of diced tomatoes with herbs
1 jar of Ragu or 1 can of crush tomato
1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp. of Italian seasoning
1 tsp. of oregano
1 tsp. of basil
1 tsp. red chili flakes
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. of butter

Heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a large sauce pan on medium heat. In a bowl mix together all ingredients for your turkey meatballs. Form your turkey into about 2inch balls and put in the pan. Brown the sides of your meatballs cooking about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through, DO NOT cook all the way through. When your meatballs are halfway cooked add in the onion and garlic and sauté for  about 1 minute. Then add in the ingredients for your Ragu- except for the butter, going in order of the list. Simmer for about an hour with the lid on the pan. Stir occasionally.

After an hour put on a pot of water for your penne. While you waiting for the pasta to cook, take out the bay leaves and stir in 1 tsp of butter- this helps to make the sauce stick to the noodles and it makes your sauce pretty :) If you find your sauce is really thick you can take a scoop full of the pasta water to mix into your sauce, if your sauce is perfect don't worry about it! :D

Top with parmesan and enjoy!

POST BY MOMMY OLIVIA