Whole-Wheat Spaghetti With Meatballs

Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Meatballs is a classic, wholesome meal made healthier with fiber-rich whole-wheat pasta. Tender, flavorful meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over hearty spaghetti, creating a satisfying balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. Perfect for a family dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• Ingredients (Meatballs & Pasta)
• 1 Egg & 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced 2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan
• 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper & 1/2 Tsp Salt 8 Oz Whole-Wheat Spaghetti
• 1 Lb Ground Turkey (Or Ground Chicken) 1/4 Cup Whole-Wheat Breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (Or 1 Tsp Dried Italian Seasoning)
• INgREDIENTs (FOR SAuCE)
• 1 Tsp Dried Basil Or Fresh Chopped 2 Tsp Olive Oil & 1/2 Tsp Salt
• 1 Bay Leaf (Optional) 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 (28 Oz) Can Crushed Tomatoes (No Salt Added)
• 1 Tsp Dried Basil (Or 1 Tbsp Fresh Chopped)

Directions

1. Make Meatballs: In A Large Bowl, Gently Mix Together Ground Turkey, Breadcrumbs, Egg, Parmesan, Minced Garlic, Parsley (Or Italian Seasoning), Salt, And Pepper Until Just Combined. Form Into ~16 Meatballs (About 1.5 Inches In Diameter). Tip: Wet Your Hands To Prevent Sticking.
2. Brown Meatballs (Optional): Heat 2 Tsp Olive Oil In A Large Skillet Over Medium. Add Meatballs In A Single Layer (In Batches If Needed To Avoid Crowding). Sear ~2 Min Per Side Until Lightly Browned (Not Fully Cooked). Remove To A Plate.
3. Make Sauce: In The Same Skillet (Or A Pot), Add A Little More Olive Oil If Pan Is Dry. Sauté Minced Garlic And Red Pepper Flakes For 30 Seconds Until Fragrant (Do Not Burn). Pour In Crushed Tomatoes. Stir In Basil, Oregano, Salt, Sugar, And Bay Leaf. Bring Sauce To A Simmer.
4. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Gently Place The Browned Meatballs Into The Simmering Sauce. Spoon Sauce Over Each Meatball. Cover And Let Cook On Low Heat For 15–20 Minutes, Until Meatballs Are Cooked Through (Internal Temp ~165°f) And Have Absorbed Some Sauce Flavor. Stir Occasionally Carefully To Prevent Sticking, But Don’t Break The Meatballs. Remove Bay Leaf Before Serving.
5. Cook Spaghetti: Meanwhile, Cook Whole-wheat Spaghetti In Boiling Salted Water According To Package Directions (Usually ~9–11 Minutes) Until Al Dente. Drain.
6. C) Cook Spaghetti: Meanwhile, Cook Whole-wheat Spaghetti In Boiling Salted Water According To Package Directions (Usually ~9–11 Minutes) Until Al Dente. Drain.
7. Serve: Plate A Portion Of Spaghetti (About 2 Oz Dry Worth, Which Is Roughly 1.5 Cups Cooked). Top With 3–4 Meatballs And A Ladle Of Tomato Sauce. Sprinkle With Extra Chopped Parsley Or A Little Parmesan If Desired.