Is there anything better than a steaming bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs? Well yes there is, a steaming bowl of the healthier version! These chicken meatballs are healthy and delicious and simmered in tomato sauce gives them such a delicious depth of flavor. Make sure to opt for Whole Wheat Spaghetti. You can really find this at most grocery stores. This meal is packed with nutrients, totally satisfying and the meatballs can be made ahead of time making this a great weeknight meal!
Serves 4
Meatballs
1 extra large egg lightly beaten
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup parmigiano cheese freshly grated
1 tsp dried oregano
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3 garlic cloves minced
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste divided
Pinch of red pepper flakes
2 cups chopped fresh spinach leaves
Meatball topping
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
16 oz of whole wheat spaghetti
22 oz jar of good tomato basil sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees with rack in upper third
In a large bowl mix together all meatball ingredients very gently. I put on gloves and mix with my hands
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray
Form meat into small balls- no bigger than a golf ball. This should yield about 15. Place on baking sheet
Mix together the 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Brush onto tops of meatballs. Bake in oven for 20 minutes
I use this as an opportunity for a make ahead meal so at this point I let cool and then refrigerate for up to 1 day. If making ahead be sure to take them out of the fridge 15 before the next step.
If making meatballs to eat right away then continue to next step once meatballs come out of the oven!
Boil a large pot of salted water
Warm sauce in a large sauce pan and add meatballs. Simmer together for 15 minutes. Taste sauce and add salt and pepper if needed.
Heat pasta according to Al dente instructions
When pasta is almost ready remove meatballs from sauce and set aside.
Remove pasta and place directly in sauce pan. Gently stir around until all pasta is coated. Pour into a serving bowl and place meatballs on top. Top with freshly grated parmigiano cheese.
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