Turkey Meatballs With Sauteed Kale And Pesto Pasta

This satisfying, high protein meal is worth the work. Customize it by trading kale for your favorite vegetable, or make it vegan by making veggie meatballs!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings meals

Ingredients

6 oz pasta any kind works
16 oz ground turkey chicken would work too
1/2 yellow onion chopped
6 cups kale chopped
3 cloves garlic minced and divided
2 TBSP oil of your choice
6 TBSP pesto store bought or homemade
3/4 cup pecorino romano for garnish, optional
marinara sauce of your choice for meatballs, optional
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp thyme
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne

Instructions

Prepare pasta according to the package. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water!
Prepare the meatballs by adding turkey, onion, 1/2 of the garlic and all the spices in a bowl. Mix well and form balls with your hands. I made 9.
Add the oil to a skillet over medium heat. After 2 mins, add the turkey meatballs. Let them cook for about 5 mins before rolling them over. Repeat this step until they're cooked through (about 15 mins) then remove them from the pan and set aside.
Add a little bit more oil, the kale and remaining garlic to the pan. Saute for about 5 mins, until the kale is soft.
To assemble: toss the pasta with the pesto and reserved pasta water then divide into your containers. Add the kale, turkey meatballs and garnishes if using.