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Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Zucchini Noodles

Garlic Butter Turkey Meatballs with Lemon Zucchini Noodles

Tender Parmesan turkey meatballs are served over tender-crisp zucchini noodles tossed in a lemon garlic butter sauce. This fresh, comforting skillet dinner comes together in about 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Turkey Meatballs
  • 1 lb (450 g) Ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 Large egg
  • 3 cloves Minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Lemon Zucchini Noodles
  • 4 Medium zucchini, spiralized
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves Minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup Chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Finely grated lemon zest
  • To taste Salt and black pepper
For Serving
  • As needed Additional chopped parsley
  • As needed Grated Parmesan

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Combine the ground turkey, Parmesan, parsley, egg, 3 minced garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix only until the ingredients are combined so the meatballs stay tender rather than dense.
  2. Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs, making roughly 18–20 meatballs depending on size. A small scoop helps create evenly sized portions that cook at the same rate.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning regularly, until browned and cooked through; the center should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and keep the skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, add the remaining 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer briefly while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to blend them into the sauce.
  6. Add the spiralized zucchini and toss gently for 2–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp. Season with salt and black pepper, remembering that the zucchini will continue to soften slightly from residual heat.
  7. Return the meatballs to the skillet briefly so they can warm in the sauce, or arrange them over the zucchini noodles when serving. Finish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.

Notes

Mix the turkey mixture lightly and avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and reheat gently, since prolonged heating can make the zucchini watery.