Green Linguini with turkey meatballs

I made this dish because I wanted my kids to eat broccoli and since they don't like it whole I made a sauce out of it, they LOVED IT and didn't even know it was broccoli, so they ate all their pasta with their veggies, I decided to include some protein by making turkey meatballs, it truly is an easy meal to prepare and your kids can help along the way.

INGREDIENTS:

For the pasta:
- 1 box of pasta, any kind I like linguini
- 2-3 bunches of fresh brocolli
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons of butter
- salt and pepper to taste

For the meatballs:

- 1lb of ground turkey
- 2 shredded carrots
- 1 slice of bread
- 1/8 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste

PASTA:

Bring water to a boil, cook your pasta until al dente, set aside.

Chop your broccoli as big or small as you want, you will make a puree out of it so it won't matter!

Preheat some olive oil about 2 tablespoons, in a pan, add the broccoli on medium heat. Cook for a few minutes.

My 4 year old peeled the garlic for me, you can chop it or add it whole after you smash it to release the juices ;) Add to the pan, season the whole thing with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook for a few minutes, when the broccoli is tender, remove and let it cool for a few minutes, now add the whole thing to a blender to make a puree, I used my magic bullet :) If you need more liquid you can add some water, chicken stock or even olive oil.

Once you have the puree ready add it to the linguini, return pasta to the heat and add the butter, cook pasta with puree for a few minutes to incorporate everything together, remove from heat and serve hot.

Let's make the meatballs now.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Shred your carrots.

Dip your bread in the milk, make sure the bread absorbs all the milk.

Good, now add all the ingredients in a bowl with the ground turkey and spices, mix gently.

Form the balls and place on a tray, you may drizzle olive oil or use wax paper and place them on it.

Cook in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Now serve the pasta with the meatballs, sprinkle some parmessan cheese and eat hot!

Enjoy!
Delfi