Baked Turkey Meatballs Zucchini Noodles -

There’s something uniquely comforting about a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. It evokes memories of family dinners, laughter around the table, and the warm embrace of home-cooked goodness. However, as many of us embark on a journey toward healthier eating, the challenge often lies in maintaining those nostalgic flavors while making lighter choices. This is where the Savory Turkey Meatball Zoodle Delight comes into play—a delicious twist on a classic that swaps out traditional pasta for fresh zucchini noodles. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it also serves as an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Baked Turkey Meatballs Zucchini Noodles

Discover the comforting flavors of a classic spaghetti and meatballs with a healthy twist in this Savory Turkey Meatball Zoodle Delight. This delicious recipe features lean turkey meatballs paired with fresh zucchini noodles, creating a wholesome meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or gatherings, it's an easy way to sneak in more veggies! Dive into making this flavorful dish that keeps the nostalgia alive while prioritizing your health.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Zucchini Noodles:

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (your choice of store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for the meatballs.

Make the Meatballs:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

- Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.

Bake the Meatballs:

- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked, golden brown, and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:

- While the meatballs are baking, spiralize the zucchinis using a spiralizer. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin, noodle-like strips.

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, toss in the spiralized zucchini noodles along with the salt and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until tender yet still slightly crisp. Remove the skillet from heat.

Heat the Marinara Sauce:

- In a small saucepan, pour in the marinara sauce and heat over medium heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Combine and Serve:

- Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven and gently toss them in the warm marinara sauce to coat.

- To serve, create a bed of zucchini noodles on each plate and top them generously with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Enjoy: Serve the dish hot and relish in your healthy, flavorful creation!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Consider serving the dish in shallow bowls for a rustic feel. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the zucchini noodles for added flavor and a touch of elegance.