Sage-Infused Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Lean turkey meatballs simmered in a light tomato sauce, served over zucchini noodles for a satisfying, digestion-friendly meal. This italian-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs ground turkey, medium, spiralized zucchini, (no sugar added) tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, 1 tbsp chopped sage, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined, then form into 12 small meatballs (about 1 inch each).
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup tomato sauce to the same skillet, bring to a gentle simmer, then return meatballs to the sauce. Cover and cook for 8 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked. Serve immediately over 3 cups spiralized zucchini noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sage-Infused Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sage-Infused Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sage-Infused Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sage-Infused Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sage-Infused Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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