Angel Hair Pasta with Meatballs

Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs?

Most of us do, yet many of us worry that upon a diagnoses of diabetes we can no longer enjoy this favorite meal. But yes, diabetics can still enjoy a meal of pasta and meatballs!

This recipe is a perfect example using whole-wheat angel hair pasta and low-fat ground beef. Extra fiber, an especially important need for diabetics, is incorporated into the meatballs by using Fiber One Cereal as the filler. This dish with a tasty green salad makes a great, easy meal.

This Angel Hair Pasta with Meatballs is perfect for anyone including diabetics. If you are diabetic, I would suggest leaving off a yummy garlic bread. For others, the garlic bread would be a great idea. And a special note; these fiber-laden meatballs could become your “go-to” meatball recipe!

ANGEL HAIR PASTA AND MEATBALLS

* 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
* 3/4 cup Fiber One cereal
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 3/4 tsp Italian Seasoning
* 1/4 to 1/2 tsp garlic powder (depending on taste)
* 1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
* 1 can (14 1/2-oz) diced tomatoes with green pepper and onion (do not drain)
* 1/8 tsp paprika
* 6-oz uncooked whole-wheat angel hair pasta
* chopped fresh parsley for garnish, if desired
* grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, if desired

Finely crush Fiber One cereal in food processor or in a sealed plastic bag by crushing with a rolling pin. Pour crumbs into a large mixing bowl along with the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup of the tomato soup. Blend well and shape into meatballs about 1 1/2-inch in diameter.

Spray a 12-inch nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook the meat balls approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown on all sides. Drain off excess fat, if necessary. Add the remaining tomato sauce, the canned tomatoes, and the paprika to the skillet; turn meatballs to coat. Cover skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meatballs are cooked through.

Meanwhile, cook and drain the angel hair as the package directs.

To serve, place the meatballs with sauce over the pasta.
Top with additional Parmesan and the chopped parsley, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings

Per serving: 460 calories, 54 g carbs, 10 g fiber, 33 g protein, 12 g (5 g sat)fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 950 mg sodium.

Diabetic exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 1 other carb, 3 1/2 lean meat

Enjoy!