Cucumber Meatball Alfredo

This unique dish brings together the comforting flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce with tender meatballs and refreshing cucumber. The traditional Italian pasta elements are creatively replaced with cucumber noodles, making this a lighter, yet satisfying meal. It's perfect for those looking for a balance between comfort and freshness, while being mindful of dietary choices.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, spiralized into noodles
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a large skillet, lightly sauté the spiralized cucumber noodles for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
7. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the Alfredo sauce and stir gently to coat.
8. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cucumber noodles, garnished with fresh parsley.