Boccon-what?

I made this one a while back as a quick meal to take to some friends and it was surprisingly good for as quick and easy as it came together. It’s definitely a great summer pasta dish – not as heavy as some. Soon of you may know that I have a deep love for fresh mozzerrella. I can eat it all by itself and be quite content. Also, just in case you’re curious, bocconcini is pronounced ‘bow-con-chi-nee’.

Pasta with Turkey Meatballs and Bocconcini
Recipe Courtesy of Martha Stewart
Prep: 30 minutes Total: 30 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3/4 pound ground turkey (93 percent lean, dark meat)
1/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
8 ounces orecchiette or other short pasta
1/2 pint mozzarella bocconcini (about 20 balls) stored in whey or water

Directions
Set a large pot of salted water to boil. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix to combine. Using a level 1-tablespoon measure for each, form mixture into meatballs (you should have about 24).

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high. Add meatballs, and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water; simmer, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and liquid is reduced to about 1/2 cup, 10 to 12 minutes. Add tomatoes; cook until they begin to soften, about 1 minute.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, return to pot, and place on the still-warm burner. Add bocconcini, meatballs and sauce, remaining 1/4 cup parsley, remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and remaining tablespoon butter. Season with salt and pepper, and toss until combined.

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