Description
Succulent “creamy spinach turkey meatballs” bring Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Lean protein and rich greens blend perfectly, creating a wholesome meal that satisfies both health-conscious and flavor-seeking palates you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey
- 1 egg
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Cooking Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
Additional Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Assemble the meatball mixture by thoroughly blending ground turkey with finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, whisked egg, aromatic garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Gently form uniform spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter, taking care not to compress the mixture too densely to maintain a delicate texture.
- Warm a generously sized skillet over medium heat, introducing a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully position meatballs into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust through intermittent turning, ensuring complete internal cooking within 8-10 minutes.
- Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate while preserving the flavorful pan residue.
- In the same skillet, introduce additional olive oil or butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until its fragrance permeates the kitchen.
- Stream chicken broth into the pan, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer and incorporating heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce achieves a velvety consistency.
- Should the sauce require additional thickening, dissolve cornstarch in water and integrate smoothly, optionally enhancing with a whisper of nutmeg for depth.
- Reintroduce meatballs into the creamy sauce, allowing them to bathe and absorb flavors for 3-5 minutes.
- Present the dish atop pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Meatballs by gently mixing ingredients and avoiding overworking the meat mixture, which can make them tough and dense.
- Use Fresh Spinach by finely chopping and squeezing out excess moisture to ensure the meatballs maintain proper texture and don’t become soggy.
- Create Gluten-Free Option by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, making the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Enhance Flavor Intensity by adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or incorporating finely grated lemon zest into the meatball mixture for a bright, zesty undertone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg