Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 whole heads garlic; Olive oil (for roasting and pasta); 1 pound ground chicken; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti; 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (for pasta); 24 to 48 ounces marinara sauce; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Description

Juicy baked chicken parmesan meatballs served over roasted garlic spaghetti with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. A comforting Italian-American dinner perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

2 whole heads garlic

Olive oil (for roasting and pasta)

1 pound ground chicken

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 pound whole wheat spaghetti

1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (for pasta)

24 to 48 ounces marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Slice the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for about 45 minutes until soft.

3. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. In a large bowl combine ground chicken, egg, olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, herbs, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.

5. Mix gently until just combined.

6. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

7. Spread half the marinara sauce in the baking dish and place meatballs about 1 inch apart.

8. Spoon sauce over each meatball and sprinkle with mozzarella.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

10. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water.

11. Drain pasta and toss with olive oil.

12. Squeeze roasted garlic from skins into the pasta and mash lightly.

13. Add parmesan cheese and toss well.

14. Serve spaghetti topped with meatballs, extra marinara sauce, parmesan, and fresh basil.

Notes

Roasting garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor to the pasta.

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and enhances flavor.

Leftover meatballs store well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Easy Dinner Ideas
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American