If you’re looking for a flavorful, protein-packed dish that’s both creamy and nutritious, look no further than these Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs. This easy-to-make recipe combines lean turkey, fresh spinach, and a rich, savory sauce, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
✔️ High in Protein & Nutrients – Made with lean ground turkey and fresh spinach. ✔️ Creamy & Flavorful – The rich sauce adds an irresistible taste. ✔️ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love these meatballs. ✔️ One-Pan Meal – Less mess, easy cleanup! ✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Store well for later meals.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix well and form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
- If needed, mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce for thickness.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the meatballs evenly.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Check out: Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Tips & Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Make It Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes for a kick!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Pair with linguine or spaghetti.
- With Rice: A perfect base for absorbing the creamy sauce.
- With Zoodles: A low-carb and keto-friendly alternative.
- With Garlic Bread: Scoop up that delicious sauce!
Storage & Meal Prep
✅ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. ✅ Freeze: Place cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. ✅ Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
(FAQ) : Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well and gives a slightly different flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
3. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture has the right balance of moisture and binding ingredients. The egg and breadcrumbs help keep them firm.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When ready to eat, cook them and prepare the sauce fresh.
5. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt, half-and-half, or unsweetened coconut milk.
Final Thoughts: Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
These Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments! 🍽️😋
Read more: Best Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken Recipe
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Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Made with lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, they are simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water, optional for thickening)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate.
2. Sear the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- If the sauce needs thickening, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Simmer the Meatballs:
- Return the seared meatballs to the skillet.
- Simmer in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Meal Prep: These meatballs can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Extra Veggies: Add finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrition.
- Make it Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
Keywords: Turkey Meatballs, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Spinach Meatballs, Healthy Dinner, Comfort Food