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Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti

Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti

The ultimate comfort food, this Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti is hearty and satisfying, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Juicy meatballs made with ground chicken and fresh herbs are smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, served over a bed of roasted garlic spaghetti. Try it tonight!
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling the garlic and spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup finely grated parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
  • 0.25 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella/provolone cheese
  • 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
  • 0.25 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 to 2 24 ounce jars your favorite marinara sauce (add a second jar if you LOVE sauce)
  • 1 bunch fresh basil for topping

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Grater
  • Peeler
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Slice off the top portion of the garlic heads to reveal the cloves. Lightly rub back and forth to remove the paper on the sides and peel any excess paper off. Drizzle about a 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil on top of the garlic cloves. Wrap the garlic heads in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes.
  3. Prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish (or a large baking sheet) by spraying it with nonstick spray.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, fresh herbs, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently combine until everything is mixed well.
  5. Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1-inch in diameter, wetting your hands slightly to avoid sticking.
  6. Add half of the jar of tomato sauce to the bottom of the baking dish. Place the meatballs in the sauce, about 1-inch apart.
  7. Cover each meatball with a bit more sauce and top with mozzarella or provolone cheese.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center of the meatballs reaches 165 degrees F.
  9. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the spaghetti. Cook in salted water until al dente, then place in a bowl, drizzling with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  10. Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the cloves into the spaghetti and stir in ΒΌ cup of parmesan cheese.
  11. Serve with the meatballs and additional sauce, cheese, and fresh basil on top.
  12. If you wish to freeze, allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
  13. For freezing, roll the meatballs and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Flash freeze for 30 to 60 minutes, then transfer to a resealable bag.
  14. To cook from frozen, place them in a pot or slow cooker and cover with sauce, cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Freezing: You can freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for an easy reheatable meal. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Pairing: Serve with a light salad or garlic bread on the side for a full Italian experience.
  • Variations: Try swapping the ground chicken for turkey or a meat substitute for a different flavor profile.
  • Seasonal twists: Incorporate seasonal vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, into the spaghetti for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or marinara sauce if you like a bit of heat.
  • Cheese choices: Mix and match different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on flavor.