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In the world of healthy eating, finding dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying can be a challenge. Enter Zesty Turkey Meatball Marinara on Zoodles, a delightful dish that combines the robust flavors of homemade marinara sauce with tender, zesty turkey meatballs, all served atop a bed of zucchini noodles, or "zoodles." This meal not only delivers on taste but also caters to health-conscious families and individuals looking for lighter alternatives to traditional pasta dishes.

Quick Turkey Meatball Marinara over Zoodles

Discover the delicious and healthy Zesty Turkey Meatball Marinara served on zoodles in this easy-to-follow recipe. This dish combines lean ground turkey meatballs and homemade marinara sauce, all atop spiralized zucchini noodles for a flavorful, low-carb alternative to pasta. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it's perfect for health-conscious families. Enjoy a nutritious meal that tastes amazing and is simple to prepare for any night of the week.
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Ingredients
  

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 pound lean ground turkey

1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 egg, lightly beaten

For the Marinara Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Zoodles:

2 large zucchini

Salt, to taste

Olive oil, for cooking zoodles

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs:

    - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the lightly beaten egg and gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.

      - Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

        Cook the Meatballs:

          - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet (cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough).

            - Sauté the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

              Make the Marinara Sauce:

                - In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.

                  - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

                    - Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, then add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

                      - Return the cooked meatballs to the sauce, cover the skillet, and let them simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through and flavorful.

                        Prepare the Zoodles:

                          - While the marinara sauce is simmering, spiralize the zucchini with a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create zoodles (zucchini noodles).

                            - In a separate skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the zoodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until they become slightly tender. Season with a pinch of salt.

                              Serve:

                                - On each plate, create a nest of zoodles as the base, then generously top with the marinara sauce and turkey meatballs.

                                  - Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a light sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

                                    Enjoy!

                                      - Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the fresh and zesty combination of flavors!

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

                                          Presentation Tips:

                                            - For an attractive presentation, arrange the zoodles on a colorful plate and allow the vibrant colors of the marinara and fresh basil to shine. Use a microplane to add a fine sprinkle of Parmesan cheese as a finishing touch.