Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs: Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)

Tender Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs in a rich sauce. A comforting, healthy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights, full of flavor and easy to make.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American (Homestyle)
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Meatball Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93/7 preferred)
02 - 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
03 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1/4 cup finely minced yellow onion
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

09 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
12 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Finishing Touches

14 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab a big mixing bowl. Add your ground turkey, that finely chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, and garlic. Now, season it up with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. Get in there with your hands! It’s messy, but honestly, it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly combined. Just don't overmix, or your Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs can get tough. I always end up with a bit of turkey under my fingernails here, it's just part of the process.
02 - Once your mixture is ready, start rolling! I aim for about 1.5-inch meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball. This size ensures they cook through evenly and are nice bite-sized portions. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step can feel a little tedious, but put on some music, and it flies by. I once tried to make them all perfectly uniform and ended up with a headache, so now I just go with the flow. Imperfectly perfect is my motto!
03 - Pop those beautiful Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 18-20 minutes. You want them cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. They'll firm up nicely. While they’re baking, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing, a promise of deliciousness to come. Don't worry if a little juice escapes, it just shows they're cooking. This is where the magic starts to happen, honestly!
04 - While your Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are baking, you can start on the sauce. In a large skillet, melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Add a bit more minced garlic, because, why not? Let it cook for a minute until fragrant, but don't let it brown. This aroma is just heavenly, a real kitchen mood-setter. This is where I almost always forget to have my cream cheese softened, which makes whisking a little more work, but it still gets there.
05 - Now, add your softened cream cheese to the skillet. Whisk it constantly until it's smooth and melted. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. You want a beautifully smooth, slightly thickened sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it! Adjust as needed. This sauce is the heart of these Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs, so make it sing!
06 - Once the meatballs are out of the oven, gently transfer them to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss them gently to coat every single one. Stir in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and incorporated. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld. The sauce will cling to the meatballs, making them look incredibly inviting. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a little color. They're so tender, they practically melt in your mouth!

# Notes:

01 - Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce, it makes all the difference.
02 - Leftovers are great for meal prep; store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
03 - Ground chicken works as a turkey substitute, but add a splash of milk for moisture.
04 - Serve over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that incredible creamy sauce!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large Mixing Bowl
02 - Baking Sheet
03 - Parchment Paper
04 - Large Skillet
05 - Whisk
06 - Meat Thermometer (optional but recommended)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 35g

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