If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts wholesome, comforting, and elegant enough to serve to guests, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs. Tender turkey meatballs, brimming with parmesan and savory chives, nestle into a lush spinach-studded sauce enhanced by the sweet tang of sundried tomatoes. Every bite is rich, velvety, and light at the same time—a true crowd-pleaser that might just earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation.

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs is how each ingredient earns its place in both flavor and texture. We’re talking pantry and fridge staples coming together for layers of richness, bursts of fresh flavor, and that distinct melt-in-your-mouth creaminess you crave.

Ground Turkey: Lean and juicy, turkey lets the fresh ingredients and creamy sauce shine without being heavy.
Panko Crumbs: These airy breadcrumbs keep the meatballs light and help them hold their shape beautifully.
Powdered Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps bind everything together.
Large Egg: Essential for binding the mixture so your meatballs stay perfectly formed.
Garlic: Using both pressed and minced garlic infuses bold, aromatic flavor into every layer.
Fresh Chives: Delicate oniony notes bring freshness to each bite.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and set the foundation for a silky sauce.
White Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the sauce’s flavor.
Sundried Tomatoes: Their tangy, concentrated sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
Salt: Just a teaspoon elevates every other ingredient, so don’t skip it!
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and adds savory depth while thinning the sauce just right.
Baby Spinach: Wilts down beautifully, adding color, nutrition, and a touch of earthiness.
Heavy Cream: The key to that irresistible creamy texture—don’t be shy!

How to Make Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350F and positioning the rack right in the middle. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for quick cleanup and perfectly browned meatballs. Fill a small bowl with water—you’ll use this trick for easy, non-sticky shaping later on!

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, panko crumbs, powdered parmesan, egg, pressed garlic, and fresh chives. Don’t be afraid to get in there with clean hands or a sturdy spatula. Mix until the blend is smooth and nicely incorporated, avoiding over-mixing to keep things tender.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Dip your fingers in the bowl of water—this is a culinary secret for smooth-rolling meatballs without the mess. Grab a bit of mixture and roll into neat 1-inch balls, placing each on your prepared sheet. You’ll end up with about 24 meatballs. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, checking for a golden exterior and that all-important 165F internal temperature. When they’re done, set them aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium. Sauté your minced garlic and diced onion for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Toss in the sundried tomatoes and salt, and let everything sizzle together. Slowly add the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the pan’s surface—this is where flavor magic happens!

Step 5: Add Spinach and Heavy Cream

Next, drop in handfuls of fresh baby spinach. It will look like a lot at first, but watch how it wilts down in just a couple minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce bubble away for 5 to 10 minutes, reducing until luxuriously thickened.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return those baked meatballs to the skillet, nestling them right into the creamy spinach sauce. Gently toss everything to coat each meatball, letting the flavors marry for a few minutes. Serve immediately and bask in the applause—you’ve just made Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs like a pro!

How to Serve Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Garnishes

For a pop of color and flavor, scatter extra chopped chives, freshly grated parmesan, or even a few more slivers of sundried tomato on top of the Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs. A grind of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil offers that gourmet finish.

Side Dishes

These luscious Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs shine atop fluffy rice, pillowy mashed potatoes, or tangle of buttery pasta—each lets the sauce pool and soak in. For a lighter touch, consider serving them with quinoa or alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spearing individual meatballs on mini skewers for a cocktail-party-ready appetizer, or load them into a warm sub roll with melty cheese for a decadent sandwich. They’re also fabulous perched atop zucchini noodles or a bed of herby couscous for a twist on tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs, transfer them and their sauce to airtight containers once fully cooled. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay tender and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for quick weeknight lunches or unexpected snack attacks.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange baked (but unsauced) meatballs on a tray and chill until firm, then wrap and stash in freezer bags. The sauce itself can be frozen separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw both in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs and sauce together in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much. The microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop reheating best preserves the luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken can be swapped in for turkey without any trouble; just know the flavor may be a bit milder, so taste and adjust seasoning as you like.

Is there a way to make Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply use certified gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular panko. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re seeking a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. The sauce will be less rich but still satisfying and creamy.

Can I add other veggies to the sauce?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas would all taste wonderful in the creamy sauce. Just sauté firm veggies with the onions and garlic in the first step of the sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is designed to be mild and family-friendly, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you’d like to introduce some heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special, give these Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs a spot on your table. They’re as comforting as they are impressive, and just the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds. I hope you enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender turkey meatballs with a rich and creamy spinach sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.

Instructions

Making the Meatballs – Preheat your oven to 350F with a rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix all meatball ingredients until smooth. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and bake for 16-18 minutes.
Making the Sauce – In a skillet, cook garlic and onion. Add sundried tomatoes, salt, chicken broth. Cook spinach, then add heavy cream. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and coat evenly.
Serve the meatballs over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American