Name: Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; ½ lb (220g) ground turkey; ½ lb (220g) ground chicken; ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, provolone); 4 cloves garlic, grated; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional); 1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional); Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, divided; For Cooking the Meatballs:; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For the Sauce:; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion, diced; ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable broth; 5 ounces (150g) jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained; 1¾ cups heavy cream; 3 cups baby spinach leaves; ½ cup grated Parmesan; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, this Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe is the perfect choice. Combining tender turkey and chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy spinach sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or even special occasions.

Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, these meatballs are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious meal in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean turkey and chicken, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan, this dish offers a healthy balance of protein, greens, and indulgent flavor.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: The luxurious sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic elevates the dish to restaurant-quality levels.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

½ lb (220g) ground turkey
½ lb (220g) ground chicken
½ cup shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, provolone)
4 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
1 crumbled bouillon cube (optional)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, divided

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable broth
5 ounces (150g) jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
1¾ cups heavy cream
3 cups baby spinach leaves
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, ground chicken, shredded mozzarella, grated garlic, Italian seasoning, red chili pepper flakes (if using), crumbled bouillon cube (if using), salt, pepper, and half of the chopped cilantro or parsley. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined.

Form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a tablespoon. This size ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

2. Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them until browned on all sides and cooked through—this should take about 8–10 minutes. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the vegetable broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—these add incredible flavor to the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

4. Combine and Serve

Add the baby spinach to the creamy sauce and stir until wilted. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, making sure they’re well coated in the sauce. Let them simmer for a few minutes to heat through.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for extra flavor and garnish.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these creamy spinach turkey meatballs over your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, avoid overmixing as it can make the meatballs dense instead of tender.
Customize the Spice Level: If you enjoy a little heat, don’t skip the crushed red chili pepper flakes. For a milder version, simply leave them out.
Use Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works best for this recipe as it wilts quickly and blends seamlessly into the sauce. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly beforehand.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. When ready to serve, simply make the sauce and reheat everything together in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use All Turkey Instead of Turkey and Chicken?

Yes! If you prefer an all-turkey version, feel free to substitute ground chicken with more ground turkey. The flavor will still be deliciously satisfying.

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives for mozzarella and Parmesan. For the sauce, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I Freeze These Meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs. To freeze uncooked meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cooked meatballs can be frozen with or without sauce—just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What Can I Serve These Meatballs With?

These creamy spinach turkey meatballs pair beautifully with:

Spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
Steamed rice or quinoa
Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the sauce

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe is everything you could want in a meal—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Give it a try tonight and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation!

Happy cooking!