Spaghetti With Chicken Meatballs is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish. By using chicken as the base for the meatballs, this dish maintains a rich, hearty flavor while offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork. The meatballs are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and parmesan, then simmered in a tangy marinara sauce until they’re tender and juicy. Combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti, this meal is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Grated parmesan and fresh parsley for serving
Instructions:
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add sugar (if using), oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the browned meatballs back into the sauce, cover, and let them simmer for another 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and meatballs, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve warm with extra grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and basil leaves for garnish.
Enjoy your Spaghetti With Chicken Meatballs, a delicious dish that balances comforting flavors with a lighter protein option!
