16ozuncooked Cellentani noodles1 box or about 6 cups uncooked noodles-option to use any noodle
For the Marinara
¼cupsolive oil
6tablespoonminced garlic
3cupsdiced yellow onion
29ozcan crushed tomatoes, no salt added(2 - 14.5 oz. cans)
1 ½teaspoondried basil
1teaspoondried oregano
2tablespoonwater
¼teaspoonsea salt
fresh ground pepper to taste
For the Meatballs
1 ½lbsground turkey
1 ½tablespoonquinoa flour(I grind raw quinoa to make my own)
¾cupsshredded parmesan cheese
¾cupsminced parsley(or cilantro)
¾cupsminced yellow onion
3tablespoonminced garlic
¾teaspoonsea salt
1 ¼cupsshredded zucchini(squeeze out excess liquid)
¾teaspoonpaprika
½teaspoongarlic granules
freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
Shred zucchini and squeeze out excess liquid. In a medium bowl, combine zucchini with ground turkey. Add remaining meatball ingredients and mix well using a fork or your hands. Don't overmix.
Let mixture sit to allow the quinoa to absorb moisture. If possible leave overnight but if not then just let sit as long as possible. If quinoa flour is very fine then you don't need to wait long (5 minutes).
Roll mixture into small rounds. I use 1 tablespoon scoop per ball but you can make them bigger, it will just decrease the overall amount.
Start cooking noodles (until al dente).
Baked Meatballs Option
Spray meatballs lightly with olive oil and bake at 400℉ for 30 minutes on middle rack.
Pan Fry Option
Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to a large pan. On low-medium heat place meatballs. Cook for approximately 3 minutes covered and then decrease heat slightly.
After approximately 6 minutes of cooking roll/flip balls with a spoon. After another few minutes decrease heat to Lo and cook covered for another 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
Heat a large skillet to medium heat and add 2 tbsp. olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add spices, canned crushed tomatoes, and water and bring to low simmer. Decrease temperature to Lo for about 10 minutes.
Turn off heat and let sit. Once cooled slightly, Using blender or immersion blender to blend all ingredients until smooth to your liking.
Choose to combine noodles, marinara, and meatballs together to serve or pour marinara over noodles and top with meatballs.