Turkey Quinoa Meatballs with a Simple Homemade Marinara

Paired with Jovial GF Brown Rice Pasta and Cacio e Pepe Broccolini. A comforting dish packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition!

Ingredients

For the Turkey Quinoa Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)

• ½ cup cooked quinoa (cooled)

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)

• 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano or fire-roasted tomatoes

• 1 cup chicken bone broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Broccolini:

• 1 lb broccolini, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh preferable)

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

• Sea salt, to taste

Pasta:

• 1 box Jovial GF Brown Rice Pasta (your choice of shape)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked quinoa, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold gently until just combined (don’t overmix, you want to keep them fluffy).

2. Gently scoop into 2oz small meatballs.

2. Sear the Meatballs

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

2. Add the meatballs in batches and sear on all sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).

3. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

3. Make the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened (about 3-4 minutes).

2. Add the canned tomatoes, chicken bone broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

3. Bring to a simmer, then use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Simmer the Meatballs

1. Gently add the seared meatballs back into the sauce.

2. Cover partially and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through.

5. Cook the Pasta

1. While the sauce simmers, cook Jovial GF Brown Rice Pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

6. Prepare the Broccolini

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (or set up an air fryer to 375°F).

2. Toss broccolini with olive oil, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

3. Roast for 15-20 minutes (or air fry for 8-10 minutes), until tender and slightly crisp.

To Serve

1. Plate the pasta and spoon marinara and meatballs over the top.

2. Serve with a side of roasted Parmesan lemon black pepper broccolini.

3. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.