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Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Tender turkey and chicken meatballs in creamy Tuscan-style sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 220 g ground turkey meat 1/2 lb
  • 220 g ground chicken meat 1/2 lb
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar, provolone
  • 4 cloves garlic grated, for meatballs
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, for sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes optional
  • 1 bouillon cube crumbled, optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley divided: 1/2 cup for meatballs, 1/2 cup for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1/3 cup vegetable broth 80ml
  • 5 ounces jarred sun-dried tomato in oil 150g, drained
  • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
  • 3 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • 12-inch skillet
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey and ground chicken, shredded cheese, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon cube, red chili pepper flakes, half the chopped cilantro or parsley, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Form into medium-sized balls about 1.5 inches in diameter (you should get 16-18 meatballs). Arrange the turkey meatballs on a plate and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer without crowding (work in batches if needed). Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through to 165°F internally. The key is medium heat so the outside doesn't burn while the inside stays raw. Remove to a clean plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet with the remaining cooking juices, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes and fry for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and let it reduce for about one minute (liquid should reduce by about one-third).
  4. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for another minute until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Return the cooked meatballs to the pan and spoon the creamy sauce over each one. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately over cauliflower rice for keto or pasta for traditional serving.

Notes

This recipe yields approximately 16-18 medium meatballs. Can substitute 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb spicy pork sausage for turkey and chicken. Add an egg to the mixture for extra moisture. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days in refrigerator. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.