Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

Name: Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 medium zucchini; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking Recipes

I absolutely love making Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles because it's a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. The combination of tender turkey meatballs paired with the lightness of zucchini noodles makes every bite satisfying yet guilt-free. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Every time I serve this dish, my family can’t get enough of it, and it’s an excellent way to get some vegetables into our meals without sacrificing flavor.

Created by

The Chefgarrettkitchen Team

Last updated on 2026-03-04T20:55:27.240Z

When I first tried making zucchini noodles, I was skeptical, but now they are a staple in my kitchen. The first time I paired them with homemade turkey meatballs, the flavors melded beautifully. I seasoned my turkey with Italian herbs and baked them for a healthier twist. The zucchini noodles soak up all that flavor!

What I love the most is how quickly this meal comes together. In under 40 minutes, you can have a fresh dinner that feels indulgent but is packed with nutrition. I often sprinkle some fresh basil on top just before serving to elevate the dish further!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy turkey meatballs with a blend of herbs and spices
Zucchini noodles are a lighter, gluten-free option
Perfect for a healthy family dinner or meal prep

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To achieve the juiciest turkey meatballs, avoid over-mixing the meatball mixture. When combining the ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated; this will help prevent a dense texture. If you're concerned about moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth to the mixture. This small adjustment can enhance the flavor and moisture of the turkey, keeping your meatballs delightful and succulent.

When shaping your meatballs, wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking. Aim for uniform sizes, around 1 inch in diameter, to ensure even cooking. For added flavor, you can experiment by incorporating finely chopped onions or bell peppers into the mixture, which will caramelize during baking, providing a wonderful depth of flavor.

Preparing Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, add a fresh, vibrant component to your meal. When spiralizing, choose firm zucchini that is free of soft spots to prevent mushy noodles. You can use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler; each offers a different noodle thickness. For best results, keep the skin on, adding a nice green hue and additional nutrients.

After sautéing the zoodles in olive oil, watch them closely to avoid overcooking. They should remain slightly firm, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the turkey meatballs. If you prefer a bit more flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes while cooking to zest up the dish.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Zucchini Noodles

4 medium zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.

Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles

While meatballs are baking, spiralize the zucchini and sauté them in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until just tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Serve the turkey meatballs over the zucchini noodles, garnished with fresh basil.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in some red pepper flakes into the turkey mixture. Additionally, if you don't have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler can create wide ribbons of zucchini.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles separately to maintain their textures. Place the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the zucchini noodles should last for two days. To reheat, bake the meatballs at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, while briefly sautéing the zoodles in a pan to regain some of their original texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs. Once cooked and cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize the flavor of your turkey meatballs by experimenting with different herbs and spices. For a Mediterranean twist, add cumin and paprika. If you’re in the mood for an Asian flair, consider incorporating ginger and scallions for a unique taste that still complements the zucchini noodles beautifully.

If you want to turn this meal into a more filling option, you can add cooked quinoa or brown rice to the meatball mixture. This not only enhances the texture but also adds fiber and protein, making your dish even more satisfying. Adjust the breadcrumbs accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, this recipe is entirely gluten-free.

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make and freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.