Description
Savory “Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs” bring Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with rich, hearty flavors. Home cooks discover a protein-packed meal that delivers delicious nutrition and satisfying warmth in each tender, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a harmonious mixture of ground turkey, finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, aromatic garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold ingredients together, maintaining a light touch to preserve the meatballs’ delicate texture. Shape the blend into uniform spherical portions, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Warm a generously sized skillet over medium heat, introducing a subtle drizzle of olive oil. Carefully position the meatballs in batches, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior. Rotate periodically to ensure even cooking, continuing until the internal temperature signals complete doneness, roughly 8-10 minutes. Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet, introducing additional olive oil or butter. Sauté minced garlic until its fragrance intensifies, releasing aromatic essences. Stream chicken broth into the pan, creating a simmering liquid base. Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan, whisking until a smooth, velvety consistency emerges. Should the sauce require thickening, dissolve cornstarch in water and integrate carefully. Optional nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.
- Reintroduce the perfectly cooked meatballs into the luxurious sauce, gently coating each sphere. Allow a brief 3-5 minute simmer to harmonize flavors and temperatures. Present the dish atop pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Enhance the visual and taste experience with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Ensure turkey is fresh and cold for better binding and texture when forming meatballs.
- Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatballs that can become rubbery when cooked.
- Use a light hand when rolling meatballs to maintain a soft, delicate consistency.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet while cooking to achieve even browning and crispy exterior.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet before making the sauce for a cleaner, more refined flavor profile.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and extra depth of flavor.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Meal prep by making extra meatballs and freezing them for quick future meals.
- Swap ground turkey with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 406
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg