This Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe brings together tender chicken meatballs, fragrant basil, and rich marinara sauce, all lovingly embraced by a tangle of perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs is my top pick because it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
These tender chicken meatballs with a hint of fresh basil, and a marinara sauce that’s so tasty you’ll crave it.
Plus, it’s a healthier twist on a classic. It reminds me of cozy family dinners.
Whether it’s a hectic weekday or a relaxed weekend, this recipe is pure comfort and flavor, like a culinary cuddle in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ A Taste Explosion: These chicken meatballs with spaghetti and marinara sauce are a flavor explosion in every bite.
▪️ Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner: If you’re looking for a healthy protein option, these chicken meatballs are a winner.
▪️ Fancy Date Night Vibes: Planning a fancy date night? This dish will impress your special someone like a culinary secret weapon.
▪️ Sauce-Splosion: The marinara sauce isn’t your ordinary sauce; it’s a harmonious blend of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
For Chicken Meatballs:
▪️ 1 pound of ground chicken (or turkey): The star ingredient, lean and protein-packed for healthier and tastier meatballs.
▪️ 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably Panko): Tiny bread pieces that hold the meatballs together, making them tender.
▪️ 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to make the meatballs delightful.
▪️ 1/4 cup of milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and juicy, ensuring every bite is yummy.
▪️ 1 egg: Acts like glue, keeping the meatballs in shape and giving them a smooth texture.
▪️ 2 cloves of minced garlic: Adds a magical touch of irresistible flavor.
▪️ 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil: Brings a fresh, herby aroma to elevate the taste.
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste: Kitchen superheroes that enhance all the other flavors.
For Pasta:
▪️ 8 ounces of spaghetti: The long, thin noodles we’ll twirl around our meatballs, the heart of our pasta dish.
▪️ Salt for pasta water: Just a pinch to make the pasta taste good all the way through.
For Marinara Sauce:
▪️ 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes: Squished fresh tomatoes in a can, forming the base of our yummy sauce.
▪️ 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Adds a smooth, rich texture and enhances flavors.
▪️ 1 small onion, finely chopped: Gives a sweet and savory taste, balancing the sauce.
▪️ 3 cloves of minced garlic: More garlic means more flavor, making our sauce super tasty.
▪️ 1 teaspoon of dried oregano: A fragrant herb for a cozy, homey feel.
▪️ 1 teaspoon of dried basil: Adds herby charm to our sauce.
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste: Trusted flavor enhancers to make the sauce pop.
For Assembly:
▪️ Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Pretty leaves that make our dish look like art and add an extra burst of basil aroma.
▪️ Grated Parmesan cheese for topping: A sprinkle for an even better taste, a finishing touch of deliciousness.
Making Of Spaghetti and Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Shape this mixture into meatballs, making them about 1.5 inches in size, and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they’re fully cooked and have a nice golden color.
Step 5: In a large pot, fill it with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
Step 6: Add 8 ounces of spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until it’s slightly chewy, which is what we call “al dente.” This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Then, drain the water.
Step 7: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and slightly golden.
Step 8: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to release its wonderful aroma.
Step 9: Pour in 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld and become delicious.
Step 10: Add the baked chicken meatballs to the marinara sauce in the pan. Gently mix them so they’re nicely coated in the sauce.
Step 11: Serve your cooked spaghetti on a plate, making sure to place some of those tasty meatballs on top.
Step 12: For that extra special touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade chicken meatball spaghetti!
Tips and Techniques
▪️ When you’re making meatballs, don’t stir the ingredients too much; it can make them tough.
▪️ To shape meatballs easily, use a scooper or wet your hands to prevent the meat from sticking.
▪️ When cooking sauce, wait until the onions turn see-through (translucent), and don’t rush the simmer time for the best flavor.
Serving Size
This recipe makes enough to fill the plates of 4 hungry folks, or 6 if you’re adding something like a salad or garlic bread on the side.
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Turn this pasta into a full meal by adding a fresh side salad.
▪️ Elevate your pasta experience with warm garlic bread to soak up all that yummy sauce.
▪️ Don’t waste those leftover meatballs – make mouthwatering meatball subs with crusty rolls and melted mozzarella.
▪️ Get creative and use meatballs and marinara sauce as pizza toppings for a fun twist on a classic!
Variations
▪️ Try ground turkey instead of chicken for a different taste twist.
▪️ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some exciting heat.
▪️ Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or bowtie for a playful spin.
▪️ Sprinkle some mozzarella or cheddar on top for gooey goodness.
Storage Tips
Don’t let that deliciousness go to waste! If you’ve got any leftovers (which would be a surprise), pop them in an airtight container and slide it into the fridge. They’ll happily chill there for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, warm ’em up gently on the stove or zap ’em in the microwave. Just remember, fresher is tastier!
FAQs
Q. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! While homemade meatballs add a personal touch, store-bought ones can work too.
Q. Can I freeze the sauce?
Certainly! Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Blanche and peel fresh tomatoes, then crush them to use in the sauce. It’ll add a wonderful freshness to the dish.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients
For Chicken Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs preferably Panko
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
For Marinara Sauce
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
For Chicken Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked and golden.
For Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook spaghetti as per package instructions until al dente.
For Marinara Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer sauce for 15-20 minutes.
Bringing It All Together
- Toss cooked spaghetti in marinara sauce.
- Plate spaghetti, top with chicken meatballs.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Gently mix the meatball mixture for tender meatballs.
- Wet hands or use an ice cream scoop to shape meatballs.
- Don’t hold back on the basil – it brings amazing flavor.
