Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up these Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs for a wholesome, flavorful dinner. Quick to make, packed with goodness, and perfect for busy weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High-Protein, Lean

# Ingredients:

→ Meatball Base

01 - 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
02 - 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach, chopped
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

11 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
12 - 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
13 - 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half

→ Seasoning Staples

14 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first, let's get those veggies ready. Finely dice your onion and mince your garlic. Now, for the spinach, give it a good chop. I usually pile it up and just go at it with my knife. This is where I sometimes get a little teary-eyed from the onion, but it's worth it for the flavor, honestly! Just breathe through your mouth if you're like me and sensitive to onion fumes. It’s all part of the kitchen adventure.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped spinach, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, and those lovely dried herbs. Give it a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now, get your hands in there! Mix it all together until just combined. Don't overmix, though, or your Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs will be tough. I made that mistake once, and they were like rubber balls, oops!
03 - Time to get rolling! Take about a tablespoon or two of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball. I like mine about 1.5 inches in diameter, but honestly, make them whatever size you fancy. Just try to keep them consistent so they cook evenly. This step is surprisingly therapeutic, I find. You'll see those little flecks of green from the spinach, promising deliciousness.
04 - Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your meatballs in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan! You might need to do this in batches. Brown them on all sides until they've got a lovely golden crust. This isn't about cooking them through yet, just getting that beautiful sear. The smell at this stage? Divine!
05 - Once all your meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet (don't clean it, those bits are flavor!), add a tiny bit more oil if needed. Whisk in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Then, drop in the softened cream cheese and milk. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens, people!
06 - Gently return the browned Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Oh, the aroma! Serve them warm, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. So good!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh spinach if you can; frozen works but needs serious squeezing to avoid watery meatballs.
02 - Don't overmix the meatball mixture; it makes them tough, a mistake I learned the hard way!
03 - Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable for a smooth, lump-free sauce, trust me on this.
04 - For an extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the whole dish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - large skillet with lid
03 - whisk
04 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 18-22g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 30-35g

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