These Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish packed with Tuscan-inspired flavors. Made with a mix of turkey and chicken, these meatballs are smothered in a rich, creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce. They are gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly, making them a perfect option for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1/2 lb (220g) ground turkey meat
1/2 lb (220g) ground chicken meat
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, provolone)
4 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional)
Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley

For Cooking:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the Sauce:

1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable broth
5 ounces (150g) jarred sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, ground chicken, mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, red chili flakes, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form medium-sized meatballs. Set aside.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter in the remaining cooking juices. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in diced onions and cook until translucent. Add sun-dried tomatoes and fry for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
Add the Cream: Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Add baby spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked meatballs to the pan, sprinkle with parsley, and spoon the sauce over each meatball.
Serve: Enjoy over steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal, or serve with rice or pasta for a hearty dinner.

Nutrients (Per serving, approximate)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Fat: ~30g
Fiber: ~2g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy turkey meatball dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Here are some of the top reasons why it deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

High in Protein and Nutrients: With a mix of lean turkey and chicken, plus spinach and Parmesan, this dish is packed with essential nutrients and protein.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With only around 8g of carbs per serving, it’s a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic creates an irresistible, velvety sauce.
Easy to Make: This dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pasta, rice, or keep it low-carb with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.

How to Make the Juiciest Turkey Meatballs

Turkey and chicken are lean meats, which means they can sometimes turn out dry if not cooked properly. Here are a few key tips to ensure your meatballs are juicy and flavorful every time:

Use a Combination of Meats: Mixing ground turkey and chicken adds moisture and prevents the meatballs from drying out.
Add Cheese to the Mixture: Shredded mozzarella (or your preferred cheese) provides extra fat and richness, keeping the meatballs soft and juicy.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the ingredients, use a light hand to avoid making the meatballs dense and tough.
Cook at the Right Temperature: Searing the meatballs over medium-low heat ensures they cook through evenly while developing a golden-brown crust.
Let the Meatballs Rest: Allowing them to sit for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce helps retain their juices.

The Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

The sauce is the real star of this dish, elevating the flavors of the meatballs while adding a luxurious texture. Here’s what makes it special:

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a slightly sweet, tangy, and umami-rich taste that balances the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: A key ingredient that creates a thick, luscious texture and binds the flavors together.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the foundation of the sauce, adding depth and warmth.
Spinach: Adds freshness and nutrients, making the dish more balanced.
Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the sauce with a sharp, salty richness that complements the other ingredients.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Turkey Meatballs

The creamy sauce and bold flavors of this dish pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

Cauliflower Rice: A perfect low-carb option that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, these noodles complement the richness of the dish while keeping it keto-friendly.
Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy, comforting side that mimics traditional mashed potatoes but with fewer carbs.
Pasta: For a classic pairing, serve the meatballs over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
Rice or Quinoa: These grains provide a hearty base that balances the creamy sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a healthy, fiber-rich addition.

Wine and Beverage Pairing Suggestions

If you’d like to elevate your meal with the perfect beverage, here are some great pairings:

White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the flavors.
Light Red Wine: A Pinot Noir or Chianti pairs well with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic-infused sauce.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

One of the best things about this dish is that it stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze them, place the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the meatballs in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave them in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Turkey Meatballs

For the best results, follow these expert tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and Parmesan provide the best flavor.
Sear the Meatballs Well: A golden crust on the meatballs adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
Don’t Skip the Cheese: Both the mozzarella inside the meatballs and the Parmesan in the sauce contribute to the dish’s creamy, cheesy goodness.
Balance the Seasoning: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add saltiness, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a dish for a family gathering, these creamy spinach turkey meatballs fit the bill. Their rich, savory flavors make them feel indulgent, while their low-carb and keto-friendly nature makes them a guilt-free choice.

The combination of tender meatballs and a luscious sauce ensures that this dish will become a favorite in your household. It’s fancy enough to impress guests, yet simple enough for an easy homemade meal. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—you can swap out ingredients, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to make it your own.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a must-try dish that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. The juicy meatballs, combined with the rich, cheesy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, create a meal that feels indulgent while still being wholesome. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a delicious, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please.

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