The Best Turkey Meatball Zucchini Pasta Recipe You’'ll Ever Find
Are you looking for a healthy and delicious meal that's also easy to prepare? Look no further than this recipe for Turkey Meatball Zucchini Pasta! Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why Turkey Meatballs?
Turkey meatballs are a fantastic alternative to traditional beef meatballs. They're leaner and lower in fat, making them a healthier option for those looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing taste. Plus, they're packed with protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Zucchini Pasta: A Low-Carb Alternative
Instead of traditional pasta, this recipe uses spiralized zucchini as a base. Zucchini noodles, also known as "zoodles," are a popular low-carb alternative to pasta. Not only are they lighter and lower in calories, but they also provide a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they're gluten-free and suitable for those following a paleo or keto diet.
The Perfect Blend of Spices
The key to flavorful meatballs is the combination of herbs and spices. In this recipe, we use a blend of dried oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes to season the turkey meatballs. This medley of flavors adds depth and complexity to the dish, elevating it from simple to sensational.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound 3 medium-sized zucchini, spiralized*
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
FOR THE MEATBALLS
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
½ cup Panko
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9x13 baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, Panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, egg yolks, and the assorted spices. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Then, roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Zucchini Pasta: While the meatballs are baking, spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, boil the zucchini noodles in a large pot of water for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Drain them well.
Assemble the Dish: Divide the cooked zucchini noodles into meal prep containers. Top them with the baked turkey meatballs, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This Turkey Meatball Zucchini Pasta is not only healthy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes—add extra veggies to the sauce, swap out the marinara for pesto, or experiment with different herbs and spices. However you choose to enjoy it, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your health and fitness goals. So why wait? Give it a try today and discover a new favorite meal!