Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles (Printable version)
Tender turkey meatballs paired with fresh zucchini noodles for a light, satisfying meal ready in 45 minutes.
# Ingredient list:
→ For the Turkey Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely grated
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil for frying or baking
→ For the Zucchini Noodles
12 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ For Serving
16 - 1 2/3 cups marinara sauce, warmed
17 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
18 - Fresh basil leaves
# Directions:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, grated onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan if using. Mix gently until just combined.
02 - Form the mixture into 16 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
03 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides for 6 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, bake at 400°F on a lined sheet for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once.
04 - While meatballs cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in another large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add spiralized zucchini and cook, tossing gently, for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Season with salt and pepper.
06 - Divide zucchini noodles among plates. Top with turkey meatballs and spoon over warm marinara sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and basil if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The meatballs stay incredibly moist without any complicated techniques
- Ready in under an hour but tastes like a slow Sunday dinner
- Guiltless comfort food that actually satisfies your pasta cravings
02 -
- Overmixing the meatball mixture is the quickest way to make them tough, so stop as soon as ingredients combine
- Zucchini noodles release water when cooked, so avoid overcrowding the pan and serve immediately to prevent sogginess
03 -
- Chill the meatball mixture for 15 minutes before shaping if it feels too sticky to handle
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs for subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the zucchini