Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles and Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• Ground turkey 5 oz
• Zucchini noodles 1.5 cups
• Marinara sauce 0.5 cup
• Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Garlic 1 clove
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning 0.5 tsp

Method

1. Prepare the meatball mixture. In a medium bowl, add the ground turkey. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Add the minced garlic. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until combined, but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
   Tip: Use fresh garlic for best flavor and handle the mixture gently to avoid tough meatballs.
2. Form the meatballs. Divide the meat mixture into small portions and roll each into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 6-8 meatballs.
   Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking when rolling the meatballs.
3. Cook the meatballs. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if available; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
   Tip: Turn meatballs gently with tongs to keep them intact and brown evenly.
4. Warm the marinara sauce. Once the meatballs are cooked, add the marinara sauce to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce warm up with the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the meatballs nicely.
   Tip: Use a low-sugar marinara to keep the dish healthy and flavorful.
5. Cook the zucchini noodles. In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
   Tip: Zucchini noodles cook very quickly; watch them closely to maintain a nice texture.
6. Assemble and serve. Place the cooked zucchini noodles on a plate. Top with the warm turkey meatballs and marinara sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor. Serve immediately.
   Tip: Serve promptly to enjoy the best texture of zucchini noodles and warm meatballs.

Pro tips

• If you don’t have zucchini noodles, you can use spaghetti squash or whole wheat pasta as a substitute.
• To make meatballs extra juicy, add a tablespoon of finely chopped onion or a splash of milk to the turkey mixture.