If there’s one dinner that makes me feel like I’ve got it together—even on a weeknight—it’s this one.

I first made these turkey meatballs with zucchini noodles when I was trying to cut back on heavy carbs without giving up comfort food. I didn’t expect to love it so much. But these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and the zucchini noodles soak up the sauce like a dream.

It’s everything I used to crave from a bowl of spaghetti… but lighter, fresher, and way more energizing. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes and makes great leftovers (if there are any left!).

Ingredients

For the Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1/4 cup almond flour or oat flour

• 1 egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (look for one with simple ingredients)

• Optional: fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan

Instructions

1. Make the meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, combine turkey, almond flour, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into 12–14 meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.

2. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Heat marinara in a saucepan and add meatballs once baked.

3. Cook the zucchini noodles: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add zoodles, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until just tender (don’t overcook or they’ll get soggy).

4. Assemble your bowls: Divide zucchini noodles between plates, top with turkey meatballs and marinara, and garnish as desired.

Why I Love This Meal

This is one of those dinners that feels cozy and satisfying but still light. I make it when I want to eat clean without feeling like I’m missing out on pasta night.

These meatballs freeze well too, so sometimes I double the batch and keep some on hand for crazy weeks when I don’t want to start from scratch.

Eating this way helped me ditch the bloated, heavy feeling I used to get after dinner—and honestly, it just makes me feel good.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Makes 3)

• Calories: 360

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 3g

• Fat: 22g