Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs simmer juicy ground turkey orbs infused with mozzarella and Italian herbs in sun-dried tomato cream sauce studded with wilted spinach for Tuscan-inspired weeknight elegance.

Ready in 30 minutes one-skillet, they serve 4 with 40g protein per portion.

Why This Recipe Works

Mozzarella pockets melt through meatballs creating gooey bites. Sun-dried tomatoes concentrate umami without cooking time. Heavy cream + spinach wilts into silky sauce instantly. Italian seasoning unifies flavors universally. Medium-low sear prevents dry turkey. Cold meat mixture holds shape perfectly.

Ingredients & Prep

Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • 4 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp chili flakes
  • ½ cup chopped parsley
  • Salt + pepper

Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1¾ cups heavy cream
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • ½ cup Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix turkey, mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, parsley, salt hands until tacky. Form 1½-inch balls.
  2. Sear meatballs oil medium skillet 8-10 minutes browned all sides. Remove.
  3. Sauté onion, minced garlic 2 minutes fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes 1 minute.
  4. Pour cream + broth; simmer 3 minutes thick. Stir spinach + Parmesan until wilted glossy.
  5. Nestle meatballs back; spoon sauce coating. Simmer covered 5 minutes 165°F internal.
Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Flavor Variations

VariationKey Add/SwapResulting Twist
ChickenGround chicken instead turkeyLighter protein
BeefGround beef + ricottaHearty bolognese
Lemon GarlicLemon zest + oreganoGreek fusion
MushroomCrimini slicesForest creaminess

Storage Tips

Fridge airtight 4 days; freezes 2 months.

FAQs

Dry meatballs?
Don’t overwork mixture; sear not boil.

Sauce separates?
Low heat; stir constantly.

Gluten-free?
Naturally GF; check sun-dried tomatoes.

Conclusion

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs dinner-hugs comfort juicy perfection.

Print

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs feature tender ground turkey meatballs loaded with fresh spinach in rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. High-protein healthy dinner perfect for meal prep with Italian flavors and hidden greens kids love.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • Turkey Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (chopped fine)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Creamy Spinach Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • 1. Make meatballs: In large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs (about 20 total).
  • 2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs 2-3 minutes per side (don’t need to cook through). Remove to plate.
  • 3. In same skillet, sauté onion 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach, cook 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  • 4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  • 5. Return meatballs to skillet, spoon sauce over. Cover and simmer 8-10 minutes until meatballs reach 165°F internal temp. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

  • 93% lean turkey prevents dry meatballs; don’t use extra lean.
  • Chop spinach very fine so meatballs hold shape.
  • Heavy cream creates silky sauce; half & half works but thinner.
  • Make ahead: Meatballs freeze perfectly raw or cooked.
  • Serve over zucchini noodles, rice, or mashed cauliflower for low-carb.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 meatballs + sauce
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: creamy spinach turkey meatballs, healthy turkey meatballs, spinach meatballs cream sauce

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating