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Penne Marinara with Tuna Meatballs

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5 from 1 review

Enjoy this simple, delicious meal that you can prep ahead of time. If there are any leftovers, it tastes even better the next day. With a meal this yummy, don’t expect much left over.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • TUNA MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans of tuna, drained and flaked
  • 4 tablespoons egg whites
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • PASTA AND SAUCE INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 package of penne (or your favourite pasta)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine tuna, eggs, garlic, bread crumbs, parsley, vegetable broth, lemon, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper. (For best results, let sit for 1 hour in the fridge.)
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, over medium heat sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender.
  4. Stir in remaining pasta and sauce ingredients. Heat to boil and then reduce to simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. With an immersion blender, carefully puree pasta sauce.
  6. Set oven to 375 F (190 C).
  7. Form tuna mixture into balls. Over medium heat, gently sear balls in nonstick skillet.
  8. Top tuna meatballs with sauce and bake for 7 to 10 minutes.
  9. Plate pasta, sauce, and meatballs. Enjoy!

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