Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender chicken meatballs cooked in a rich marinara. Served over al dente spaghetti and topped with Parmesan cheese, this meal offers a delightful blend of flavours and textures. It is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion and brings a modern twist to a classic Italian favourite.
About the Recipe
Your family or guests will surely love this Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs recipe. The juicy flavour of chicken meatballs combined with a savoury marinara sauce is delightfully satisfying. The recipe is easy to follow and provides detailed instructions to ensure perfect results. Using chicken instead of traditional beef or pork offers a lighter option while maintaining a delicious taste. This recipe will be versatile, allowing for variations such as adding fresh herbs or a touch of spice to suit your preferences.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its simplicity and deliciousness. The juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs offer a lighter alternative to traditional meatballs. The rich marinara sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti create a comforting and satisfying meal. The recipe is straightforward, making it easy to prepare even on busy weeknights. The final touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful savoury note that completes the dish perfectly.
Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its simplicity and deliciousness. The juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs offer a lighter alternative to traditional meatballs. The rich marinara sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti create a comforting and satisfying meal. The recipe is straightforward, making it easy to prepare even on busy weeknights. The final touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful savoury note that completes the dish perfectly.
Cooking Tips
For the best results, use fresh garlic and onions to enhance the flavour of the meatballs. When forming the meatballs, ensure they are uniform in size to cook evenly. Simmer the meatballs gently in the marinara sauce to keep them tender and juicy. Don’t overcook the spaghetti; aim for al dente to provide the perfect texture.
Cultural Context
This dish takes inspiration from Italian cuisine, where meatballs and spaghetti are classic staples. While traditional meatballs are often made with beef or pork, this version uses chicken for a lighter touch. Marinara sauce, a southern Italian favourite, is known for its rich tomato base and aromatic herbs. This recipe combines these elements into a modern twist on a beloved classic.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This recipe serves four and takes about 45 minutes to prepare, with 30 minutes of active cooking time. Serve the dish immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Other Similar Recipes
- Spaghetti Carbonara
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Baked Ziti
- Meatball Subs
Nutrient Benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Garlic and onions provide antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Tomatoes in the marinara sauce are rich in vitamins A and C, boosting the immune system.
Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 Cloves Garlic (Finely Chopped)
- 2-3 Tbsp Onion (Finely Chopped)
- 225 Gms Minced Chicken
- 1 Small Egg
- 1/4 Tsp Dry Italian Seasoning
- Salt (To Taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 175 Gms Dry Spaghetti
- 2 Cups Marinara Sauce
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Breadcrumbs As Required
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine garlic, onions, minced chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Simmer the Meatballs: Mix marinara sauce with 1/4 cup water in a large pan and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until cooked.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate pan, boil salted water. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain well.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the cooked spaghetti among serving bowls. Top with meatballs and marinara sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
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Note: Marinara sauce is a southern Italian tomato sauce usually made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, onions and sometimes seafood. However there are many local variations to this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs can be customized in many ways. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. For added nutrition, you can also incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the meatballs. For a different flavour profile, try using a different type of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options. Topping with fresh basil or parsley adds a nice fresh element to the dish.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
To prevent the meatballs in Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs from falling apart, ensure the mixture has enough binding agents like egg and breadcrumbs. Chilling the meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape. When cooking, handle the meatballs gently and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to break apart. Using a non-stick pan can also help keep them intact.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs can be made ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and cook them as instructed, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The marinara sauce can also be made in advance and stored separately. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs in the sauce and cook the spaghetti fresh for the best texture and flavour.
