Description
These Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. By using a blend of ground turkey and chicken mixed with cheese, these meatballs stay incredibly moist and flavorful, avoiding the dryness often associated with lean poultry. You will love how the savory sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach in the velvety sauce turn a simple meatball recipe into a restaurant-quality dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1/2 pound ground turkey meat
- 1/2 pound ground chicken meat
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bouillon cube, crumbled (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, divided
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 5 ounces jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Form the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ground chicken, shredded mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, crumbled bouillon cube, red chili pepper flakes, half of the chopped cilantro (or parsley), and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, then roll the mixture into medium-sized balls.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them frequently so they brown on all sides and are cooked through. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the butter into the remaining cooking juices. Add the minced garlic and fry for about one minute until fragrant. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
Step 4: Deglaze and Reduce
Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and fry for 1-2 minutes to release their flavor. Pour in the vegetable broth and let it bubble for a minute to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheese
Stir in the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt in the hot sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and simmer for another minute until the cheese has melted completely.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked meatballs to the pan, spooning the sauce over them to coat generously. Garnish with the remaining fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t Over-mix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix only until the spices and meat are blended. Over-working the meat can lead to tough meatballs.
Temperature Check: To ensure the meatballs are safe to eat without overcooking them, use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Options: To keep this low-carb or Keto-friendly, serve the meatballs over steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. For a traditional meal, they pair perfectly with pasta or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 4 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 840
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 65g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: creamy turkey meatballs, keto meatball recipe, spinach turkey meatballs, tuscan chicken meatballs, low carb dinner