Are you ready to dive into a bowl of goodness that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying? Zucchini noodles, often referred to as “zoodles,” are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian dish without the carbs. Pair them with baked turkey meatballs and a medium-spiced marinara sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Turkey Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where the magic happens for those meatballs!
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined – you don’t want to overwork the meat!
- Shape and Bake: Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat a splash of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, followed by the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Zoodles Time: In a separate pan, lightly sauté the spiralized zucchini noodles for about 3-5 minutes until just tender. You want them to maintain some crunch!
- Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the marinara sauce. Serve the meatballs over a bed of zucchini noodles, garnished with fresh basil for that aromatic touch.
Enjoy Your Meal!
There you have it! A delightful bowl of Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Meatballs and Marinara that’s sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures will have you coming back for seconds. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share your creation with friends and family! Happy cooking!