Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s also packed with nutrients? Look no further than these Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s also incredibly healthy.
The meatballs are made with lean ground turkey, which is a great source of protein and low in fat. The zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta, as they are low in carbs and high in fiber. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, without adding too much fat or calories.
To make this recipe, simply combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Roll the mixture into small meatballs and cook them in a skillet until cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, heat butter in a separate skillet and add the minced garlic. Add the zoodles to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp. Toss the zoodles with the garlic butter sauce, and then serve them topped with the meatballs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, or even a special occasion. It’s also a great option for people who are following a healthy diet, as it is low in calories, fat, and carbs. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I substitute the ground turkey with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with another type of meat, such as ground chicken, ground beef, or ground pork. However, please keep in mind that the nutritional content and flavor of the meatballs may vary.
Can I use pre-made zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can use pre-made zucchini noodles if you prefer. However, making your own zoodles is a great way to save money and ensure that they are fresh.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Additionally, be sure to check the labels of any other ingredients you are using to ensure they do not contain gluten.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this recipe. To freeze, assemble the meatballs and zoodles in a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
What you need to make Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles:
For the meatballs:
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the zucchini noodles and sauce:
2 large zucchini, spiralized
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
How to make it:
Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Prepare the zucchini noodles: While the meatballs are cooking, heat butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Combine zucchini and sauce: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
Serve: Serve the zucchini noodles topped with the cooked meatballs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
Tips:
For extra flavor: Add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme to the meatball mixture.
Make it spicier: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
For a creamy sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the garlic butter sauce.
Latest Reviews:
These meatballs were a hit! The zucchini noodles were a great healthy alternative to pasta, and the garlic butter sauce was delicious. I will definitely be making this recipe again. Terry I.
I loved this recipe! The meatballs were so flavorful, and the zucchini noodles were a nice light addition. This is a great dish for a weeknight dinner. Rich E.
This recipe was easy to follow and tasted amazing. I added a little Parmesan cheese to the zucchini noodles for extra flavor. Highly recommend! Jill G.
Printable Recipe:
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Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the zucchini noodles and sauce:
- 2 large zucchini, spiralized
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Prepare the zucchini noodles: While the meatballs are cooking, heat butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Combine zucchini and sauce: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Serve the zucchini noodles topped with the cooked meatballs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
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