Savory herbed turkey meatballs and fusilli

Pasta is comfort food at its finest. Enjoy a cheesy, flavourful meal with herb-infused turkey meatballs when you crave traditional Italian food.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serves: 4

• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 slices firm white sandwich bread, crumbled
• 50 ml (1/4 c) low-fat (1%) milk
• 500 g (1 lb) lean ground turkey breast
• 125 g (1/2 c) chopped parsley
• 1 large egg
• 75 g (1/3 c) grated Parmesan cheese
• 125 g (1/2 c) dried currants
• 3 ml (3/4 tsp) rubbed sage
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) flour
• 1 can (800 ml/28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 3 strips orange zest
• 7.5 x 1-cm (3 x 1/2-in) each 250 g (8 oz) whole wheat fusilli

1. In a large skillet, heat 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for seven minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the crumbled bread and milk to the bowl. Let stand for one minute to soften the bread.
2. Add the turkey, parsley, egg, Parmesan, currants, sage and salt. Mix well. Shape the mixture into 24 walnut-size meatballs. Dredge the meatballs in the flour, shaking off the excess.
3. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sauté for three minutes, or until golden brown. Add the tomatoes and orange zest, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling water, cook the fusilli according to package directions. Drain and toss in a large bowl with the meatballs and sauce.

• 579 calories
• 13 g fat
• 3.3 g saturated fat
• 46 g protein
• 74 g carbohydrates
• 10 g fibre
• 130 mg cholesterol
• 901 mg sodium

• Turkey, herbs, cheese and currants combine to make tender, flavourful meatballs packed with zinc (for skin and hair), selenium (for thyroid function), calcium (for bones and teeth) and magnesium (for muscles and nerves).
• White meat turkey breast is also the best source of vitamin B6—75 grams (three ounces) provides 25 percent of the daily recommended amount—which may ease allergies, asthma and depression as well as prevent heart disease.

It's hard to find kid-friendly meals that make great leftovers, but this whole-wheat pasta recipe fits the bill!