If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, look no further than Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs. This dish brings together tender turkey and chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a weeknight dinner for your family, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious recipe step by step.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Healthy and Nutritious: Made with lean ground turkey and chicken, these meatballs are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. The addition of spinach provides a boost of vitamins and minerals, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: The sauce is a luscious combination of heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the tender meatballs.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly while still feeling gourmet.
Versatile Pairing Options: Serve these meatballs over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. They also pair wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs, 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

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

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

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a tablespoon. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Once fully cooked through, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Next, stir in grated garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the vegetable broth and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they’re fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining chopped cilantro or parsley over the top before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:

Over Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta (like fettuccine or penne) in the creamy sauce along with the meatballs for a classic pairing.
With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
With Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce!
Low-Carb Option: Pair with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully in the sauce without becoming mushy. Frozen spinach can work in a pinch but may require extra draining.
Adjust Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, include the crushed red chili pepper flakes in both the meatballs and sauce. Otherwise, feel free to leave them out for a milder flavor.
Make Ahead: The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. Simply reheat them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use only ground turkey instead of mixing it with chicken?

A: Absolutely! You can use all ground turkey if you prefer. The combination of turkey and chicken adds variety to the texture and flavor, but it’s not mandatory.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

A: Yes, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A: To make it dairy-free, replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?

A: Yes! You can freeze both the cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a delightful combination of comfort food and gourmet flair. With tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a rich and creamy spinach-infused sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual dinner at home, it’s guaranteed to impress every time!

So grab your skillet and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!