why make this recipe
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love. This dish combines juicy meatballs filled with cheese and herbs, topped with marinara sauce, and served over flavorful roasted garlic spaghetti. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy classic flavors in a new way!
how to make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 2 heads of garlic
- Olive oil for drizzling the garlic and spaghetti
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, oregano)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella/provolone cheese
- 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 to 2 jars (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Slice off the top of the garlic heads, rub off the paper, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 45 minutes.
- Spray a baking dish or sheet with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Add half the marinara sauce to the baking dish, place meatballs in the sauce, cover with more sauce, and top with mozzarella or provolone cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until meatballs reach 165 degrees F.
- Cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions, then toss with olive oil and roasted garlic.
- Stir in additional parmesan cheese.
- Serve meatballs with spaghetti, topped with more sauce, cheese, and fresh basil if desired.
- To freeze, prepare meatballs, let cool, and store in a freezer-safe container or flash freeze on a parchment-lined sheet before bagging.
how to serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti
Serve the meatballs on top of the roasted garlic spaghetti. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor and a pretty presentation.
how to store Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti
To store leftovers, place the meatballs and spaghetti in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs separately by letting them cool completely, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
tips to make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor. If you don’t have them, dried herbs are a good substitute.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste. Roasting garlic makes it sweet and less pungent.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
variation
You can use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought meatballs instead?
Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs to save time. Just heat them in the oven with marinara sauce.
2. How do I roast garlic?
Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 45 minutes.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat them before serving, and cook the spaghetti fresh.
