Quick Turkey Meatball Marinara over Zoodles

In the realm of wholesome eating, few dishes capture the essence of health and flavor quite like Zesty Turkey Meatballs Marinara on Zoodles. This delightful recipe offers a satisfying meal that is not only rich in taste but also packed with nutrients. The star ingredients, lean ground turkey and fresh zucchini, create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making this dish a favorite among health-conscious food enthusiasts.

Quick Turkey Meatball Marinara over Zoodles

Discover a delicious and healthy twist on a classic dish with Zesty Turkey Meatballs Marinara on Zoodles. This recipe combines lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini noodles for a flavorful meal that's low in carbs but high in taste. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it's perfect for those watching their diet without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy a comforting dinner that delights your taste buds and nourishes your body—all while being simple to prepare!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 pound lean ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Marinara Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Zoodles:

2 large zucchini

Salt, to taste

Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pour in the lightly beaten egg.

- Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

- Use your hands to form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs:

- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs into the skillet (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).

- Cook each meatball for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.

- Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Make the Marinara Sauce:

- In the same skillet, add a splash more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the diced onion over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.

- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if you want extra heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

- Carefully nestle the meatballs back into the sauce, cover, and let everything simmer together for another 10-15 minutes over low heat until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Prepare the Zoodles:

- While the marinara sauce is simmering, prepare the zoodles by spiralizing the zucchini using a spiralizer or julienne peeler.

- In a separate skillet, heat a swirl of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zoodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are beginning to soften but still have a slight crunch. Season lightly with salt.

Serve:

- To plate, arrange a generous portion of zoodles on each plate.

- Top with the rich marinara sauce and turkey meatballs, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of sauce and meat.

- Finish with a garnish of fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.

Enjoy!

- Serve immediately to revel in the delightful medley of flavors and textures in this healthy, hearty meal!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4