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

Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Ground chicken instead turkey | Lighter protein |
| Beef | Ground beef + ricotta | Hearty bolognese |
| Lemon Garlic | Lemon zest + oregano | Greek fusion |
| Mushroom | Crimini slices | Forest 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.
PrintCreamy 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.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 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

