Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce

Before the title ever appears, imagine a cozy autumn evening—windows fogged, a warm kitchen glowing, and the comforting aroma of sage and pumpkin simmering on the stove. Turkey Meatballs in Pumpkin Sage Sauce are the definition of fall comfort food: tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a silky, savory pumpkin cream sauce infused with fragrant sage and gentle garlic.

This dish transforms humble ground turkey into something elegant yet deeply comforting. The pumpkin sauce is not sweet—it’s velvety, savory, and balanced, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special fall gatherings, or even a lighter alternative to traditional holiday meals.

Served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta, this recipe feels indulgent without being heavy and brings seasonal warmth to the table in every bite.

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Why This Dish Works So Well

This recipe stands out because it:

• Uses lean turkey while staying juicy
• Turns pumpkin into a savory star
• Feels festive without being complicated
• Is comforting but not overly rich
• Works beautifully for meal prep

The sage enhances the pumpkin’s earthiness, while cream ties everything together into a luxurious sauce.

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Pumpkin Sage Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Form mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
7. Stir in pumpkin purée, cream, chicken broth, sage, and nutmeg.
8. Simmer sauce until smooth and slightly thickened.
9. Return meatballs to the skillet.
10. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until cooked through.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve warm over pasta or grains.

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Serving Suggestions

These turkey meatballs shine when served with:

• Fettuccine or tagliatelle
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Soft polenta
• Crusty bread for sauce dipping

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh sage for an elegant finish.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

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