Savory Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Ribbons

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

Lean turkey meatballs simmered in a vibrant tomato-herb sauce, served over ribbons of fresh zucchini. This Italian-inspired chicken recipe (gluten-free, low-carb), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs ground turkey, almond flour, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, 3 tbsp almond flour, minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Form into 12 equal meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, stir in tomato paste, 2 tbsp coconut aminos, and 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add meatballs to sauce, cover, and bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, spiralize zucchini into ribbons and serve topped with meatballs and sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Ribbons take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Savory Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Ribbons?

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 Savory Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Ribbons?

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 Savory Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Ribbons 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 Savory Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Ribbons gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, 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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