These Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are the perfect combination of healthy and delicious, making them a wonderful choice for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Tender turkey meatballs are packed with fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices, then simmered in a luscious creamy sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This dish not only brings a burst of flavor but also provides a good source of protein and nutrients. Whether you serve them over pasta, rice, or enjoy them on their own, these meatballs are bound to become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coat of cooking spray.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir lightly until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a spoon or your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the creamy sauce.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute until it becomes aromatic, ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
- Make the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, add the heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the Meatballs with the Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy spinach turkey meatballs over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Conclusion
These Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a delightful blend of lean protein and vegetables, bathed in a rich and flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress. They are versatile enough to be paired with your favorite side dishes or enjoyed on their own for a low-carb option. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, meal prepping, or even as a delicious leftover for the next day. Enjoy the tender, juicy meatballs and the comforting creamy sauce that will make this recipe a household favorite!
Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: A Flavorful and Healthy Dish
Tender turkey meatballs infused with spinach andParmesan, simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce. A delicious and healthy optionfor any meal.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped (or ½ cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes optional for added heat
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the Meatballs:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by either lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coat of cooking spray.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir lightly until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a spoon or your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the creamy sauce.
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute until it becomes aromatic, ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
- Make the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, add the heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the Meatballs with the Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy spinach turkey meatballs over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.