Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is a delightful dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and light, healthy ingredients. This recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs, swapping out carb-heavy pasta for zucchini noodles and beef meatballs for lean turkey. It’s quick to prepare, low in calories, and packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

The juicy turkey meatballs are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in a decadent garlic butter sauce, while the zucchini noodles provide a fresh and crisp texture. This recipe caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver.

Benefits of Choosing This Dish

1. Health Benefits of Turkey

Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, and rich in essential nutrients like zinc, selenium, and vitamin B6. Unlike red meat, turkey is easier to digest and contributes to maintaining a healthy heart.

2. Advantages of Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a fantastic low-carb substitute for traditional pasta. They’re high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and overall well-being.

By combining these two ingredients, this recipe offers a meal that’s not only delicious but also nourishing and guilt-free.

Preparation Process

Step 1: Making the Turkey Meatballs

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
   Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Roll them gently between your palms and place them on a plate or tray.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Liquid Ingredients:
   Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Finish the Sauce:
   Add chopped parsley and return the cooked meatballs to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.

Step 3: Cooking the Zucchini Noodles

1. Prepare the Zoodles:
   Heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook Briefly:
   Sauté the zoodles for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender but still firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
3. Combine and Serve:
   Plate the zucchini noodles and top with the garlic butter turkey meatballs. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish.

Cooking Tips

• Keep Meatballs Juicy: Use a gentle touch when mixing and shaping the meatballs. Adding breadcrumbs or almond flour helps retain moisture.
• Perfect Zoodles: To avoid soggy zucchini noodles, pat them dry with paper towels before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Enhance the Sauce: Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option:
   Replace turkey meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or falafel.
2. Cheese Lovers:
   Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan over the dish before serving.
3. Spicy Twist:
   Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
4. Extra Veggies:
   Include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few accompaniments:

• A side of garlic bread for those who aren’t strictly low-carb.
• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• A glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Reheating Tips:
Warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Reheat the zucchini noodles briefly in the microwave or skillet to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is a versatile and delicious dish that caters to various dietary preferences. With its rich, buttery sauce, juicy turkey meatballs, and refreshing zucchini noodles, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy!

Yield: 4

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

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Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles is a delightful dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and light, healthy ingredients. This recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs, swapping out carb-heavy pasta for zucchini noodles and beef meatballs for lean turkey. It’s quick to prepare, low in calories, and packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Turkey Meatballs:
• 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
• ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs (use almond flour for a low-carb option)
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• For the Zucchini Noodles:
• 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs
   In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
   
2. Shape the Meatballs
   Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
   
3. Cook the Meatballs
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
   
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
   
5. Cook the Zucchini Noodles
   In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
6. Combine and Serve
   Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly. Serve the meatballs over the zucchini noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

• Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs for keto-friendly meatballs.
• Additions: For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• Zucchini Noodles Tip: Avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles to prevent them from becoming watery.