Turkey Meatballs with Courgette, Spinach and Lemon Pasta
Small herby turkey meatballs tossed with golden courgette, wilted spinach and lemon-zest pasta.
- Celiac
- Hashimoto's
- Pregnancy
- Toddlers
- Dairy-free
- Alpha-gal
- High blood pressure
- Heart health
- Gluten-free
- Crohn’s and colitis
- High cholesterol
- Gluten-free dairy-free
- Gluten-free Italian
Ingredients
- 250 g gluten-free penne
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely sliced
- 2 courgettes, halved and sliced into half-moons, about 400 g
- 150 g baby spinach
- 400 g minced turkey
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 lemon, zested
- ¾ tsp salt
Method
- Mix the turkey with the oregano, half the garlic and half the lemon zest; roll into small balls about 2 cm across.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan and brown the meatballs all over, about 6 minutes, until cooked through to the centre.6 min timer
- Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water; reserve a mug of the water before draining.10 min timer
- Wipe the pan, add the rest of the oil and the remaining garlic, and fry the courgettes until golden at the edges.8 min timer
- Add the spinach, meatballs, pasta, lemon zest and a splash of the pasta water; toss until the spinach wilts and everything is glossy.
- Divide between warm bowls and finish with a last pinch of salt and the rest of the lemon zest.
Why it works
- Celiac disease: Built on gluten-free penne, with no flour in the meatballs, so the whole pan is on the table.
- Milk allergy: No dairy anywhere — olive oil, garlic and lemon zest bring the richness instead of cheese.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: No soy or seaweed — the dish is seasoned with oregano, garlic and lemon zest.
- Fish allergy: No fish or fish sauce — the meatballs are pure turkey and herbs.
- Soy allergy: No soy — pasta water and olive oil make the sauce glossy.
Celiac check: watch for hidden gluten in soy sauce, stock, malt vinegar and seasoning blends, and oats that aren’t certified. Gluten gives food ideas, not medical advice: always check labels for allergens and cross-contact.
Cooking for more than one diet?
Add everyone you cook for, with their allergies, diets and ages. Gluten checks this recipe for each of them and tells you what to change for anyone who can’t eat it as written. It’s free.
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This recipe also fits: Hashimoto's recipes, Pregnancy recipes, Toddlers recipes, Dairy-free recipes, Alpha-gal recipes, High blood pressure recipes, Heart health recipes, Gluten-free recipes, Crohn’s and colitis recipes, High cholesterol recipes, Gluten-free dairy-free recipes, Gluten-free Italian recipes.