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As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, the craving for warm and comforting meals often intensifies. One dish that perfectly encapsulates this desire is the Warm-Up Turkey Meatball & Zucchini Noodle Delight. This recipe not only brings the comfort of a hearty meal but also offers a nutritious twist, making it an excellent choice for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Packed with flavor and health benefits, this dish combines succulent turkey meatballs with fresh zucchini noodles, creating a delightful experience that warms the soul.

Quick Turkey Meatball and Zucchini Noodle Soup

Embrace the cozy comfort of the Warm-Up Turkey Meatball & Zucchini Noodle Delight, a dish that combines hearty flavors with nutritious ingredients. This recipe features lean turkey meatballs packed with protein and fresh zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative to pasta. Perfect for cooler weather, this meal is not only satisfying but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Discover how to create this delightful dish and indulge without the guilt. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment it brings!

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 cup baby spinach

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just incorporated. Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is formed into meatballs, which should yield about 20 meatballs.

    Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. In batches, add the meatballs to the pot, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Sear the meatballs for approximately 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

      Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

        Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then carefully return the browned meatballs to the pot. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to finish cooking through and the flavors to meld.

          Incorporate Zucchini Noodles and Spinach: Just before serving, stir in the spiralized zucchini noodles and baby spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the zucchini noodles are tender yet still retain a slight crisp.

            Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, take a moment to taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate.

              Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into deep bowls and, if desired, garnish each serving with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Enjoy your warm and comforting turkey meatball soup!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4