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Being half-Sicilian, pasta is always a go-to for me (except for my brief periods of trying to be low-carb, which just doesn’t work for me). This is a quick and easy dinner that we just love! You can substitute beef meatballs, sausage, meatless meatballs, etc. It will be just as delicious.

What you’ll need:

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1 medium yellow onion, sliced

1/2 cup olive oil

1 pound penne pasta, cooked 10-12 minutes

2 broccoli crowns, cut into florets

1 Tablespoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 pound precooked, frozen turkey meatballs (I used Butterball–if you can’t find it in your local store, you can find it here https://amzn.to/2DOdWaH)

2 cups chicken broth (you can also use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian)

Parmesan to taste (or real Parmigiano Reggiano)

Fresh cracked black pepper

In a large skillet or dutch oven, saute the garlic and onion in the olive oil. Add in the broccoli and seasonings and stir . Add the pasta, meatballs, and chicken broth.

Cover and let simmer on medium low heat until the broccoli is cooked and the meatballs are heated through–about 15-20 minutes.

Top with the cracked pepper and Parmesan, to taste. You can also add an additional sprinkle of garlic salt if desired.

As with any pasta dish, you can’t go wrong with a side salad, hot crusty bread, and a bottle of white wine to round out the meal!

Penne With Broccoli and Turkey Meatballs

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This lighter pasta dinner is perfect year round–and you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting veggie meatballs and vegetable broth!

• Author: Retrogirl
• Prep Time: 5 Minutes
• Cook Time: 20 Minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 Minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1/2 cup olive oil

1 pound penne pasta, cooked according to package directions

2 broccoli crowns, separated into florets

1 tablespoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 pound precooked turkey meatballs

2 cups chicken broth

parmesan cheese to taste

cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil.

Add the broccoli and seasonings and stir.

Pour in the broth, pasta, and meatballs.

Cover and simmer on medium heat until the broccoli is cooked and the meatballs are heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Top with the pepper and parmesan, and serve

Notes

As with any pasta dish, you can’t go wrong serving this with a side salad and crusty bread.

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