Pasta Wheels with Turkey Pesto Meatballs

I've been on a quest to lead an "unprocessed lifestyle".  I'm starting with food.  I walked through the grocery store and came across spaghetti Oh's, and thought to myself, "I can make that!"  At this particular grocery store the only circular pasta I could find was wagon wheels.  They worked perfectly, and the kids loved the fun shape!  I looked through some recipes, and found some great inspiration.  I often double this recipe because it's sooo good, and makes great leftovers.  I've also been known to bring a warm bowl to my kids and their teacher's at school.

Pasta Wheels and Sauce

1 onion chopped fine

1 Tablespoon olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 (28 oz. can) diced tomatoes

Prepared Meatballs (recipe below)

8 oz. small circular pasta (wagon wheels work well)

1.  Cook onion and oil in a large pot over medium heat until onions are softened, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add broth and tomatoes to pot and simmer until tomatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

2.  In a separate pot cook pasta according to manufacture's instructions.

3.  Meanwhile, while pasta is cooking, working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth and return to clean pot.  Return to simmer.

4.  Add cooked meatballs and pasta to tomato sauce mixture.  Gently combine.  Serve, garnish with parmesan cheese.

Turkey Pesto Meatballs1 cup homemade pesto (click link for Besto-Pesto)
1 lb. ground turkey
1 cup bread crumbs

1.  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and gently combine with a wooden spoon.

2.  Scoop a generous teaspoon of meat and shape into a tiny ball.  Lay formed balls on a baking sheet.

3.  Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Lightly coat with oil.  When skillet is hot, place prepared meatballs in a single layer in the skillet and cook.  Shake pan gently to rotate meatballs.  Do not overcrowd the skillet.  You may have to do this in two batches.

4.  When meatballs are cooked through, about 5-8 minutes.  Remove from pan and let drain.  Set meatballs aside until ready to use.