Keto Pumpkin Meatballs

Pumpkin season calls for something a little more savory! 🎃🍂

I wanted to bring those cozy pumpkin flavors into dinner without turning it into another sweet recipe, and these meatballs were exactly what I had in mind. The combination of tender chicken and creamy pumpkin sauce feels so comforting and seasonal without being heavy. 🤎

The sauce is rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, with wilted spinach and Parmesan adding even more savory flavor. These keto pumpkin meatballs make such a cozy low-carb dinner when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Pumpkin Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken (454 g)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
• ½ cup pork rind crumbs (about 30 g)
• 2 tsp minced garlic (6 g)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (3 g)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened pumpkin purée (80 g)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened pumpkin purée (80 g)
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 33 g)
• 2 tsp minced garlic (6 g)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (about 60 g)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Add the ground chicken, Parmesan, pork rind crumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, pumpkin purée, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
3. Arrange the meatballs in an air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Alternatively, bake or pan-fry the meatballs until fully cooked.
4. While the meatballs cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and pumpkin purée. Whisk until smooth, then simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
7. Stir in the Parmesan and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
9. Transfer the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss until they are coated in the creamy pumpkin sauce.
10. Serve warm.

Macros

Per serving

• Calories: 559 kcal
• Fat: 44.1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g
• Net Carbs: 6 g