Mini Turkey Meatballs with Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for Mini Turkey Meatballs with Gnocchi and Tomato Sauce—a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Tender, bite-sized turkey meatballs seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and fresh parsley are browned to perfection before being simmered in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce. Paired with golden, pan-seared gnocchi, this one-pan wonder is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare, requiring just 20 minutes of prep time. Garnished with fragrant basil, this protein-packed dinner offers a wholesome twist on classic Italian flavors. Plus, it’s easy to customize with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan for added flair. Ideal for four servings, this dish delivers cozy vibes in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground turkey
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 16 oz Gnocchi
• 2 cups Tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth
• 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated, but do not overmix to avoid dense meatballs.

Step 2

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into mini meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed, and sauté the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Remove the gnocchi and set aside.

Step 5

Pour the tomato sauce and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6

Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, followed by the gnocchi. Stir to coat everything in the sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped basil over the dish for a fresh finish.

Step 8

Serve warm and enjoy, optionally with extra grated Parmesan on top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1710.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2086.1

Total Fat 114.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 643.1mg	0%
Sodium 6147.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.0g	0%
Total Sugars 18.8g
Protein 125.3g	0%

Vitamin D 90.0IU	0%
Calcium 478.2mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 943.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 24.0%

Carbs: 26.9%