Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti: A Comfort Food Classic

Recipes Italian Chef

Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti: A Comfort Food Classic

Chicken meatballs and spaghetti are a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re craving a classic tomato sauce or something a bit more adventurous, this dish is sure to satisfy.

## Why Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti?

While beef or pork meatballs are more traditional, using ground chicken creates a lighter and healthier alternative. Chicken meatballs are also incredibly versatile, absorbing flavors beautifully. Spaghetti, a classic pasta shape, pairs perfectly with the tender meatballs and savory sauce, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is divided into two main components: the chicken meatballs and the spaghetti sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:

**For the Chicken Meatballs:**

* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

**For the Spaghetti Sauce:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
* 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
* 1 pound spaghetti
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect chicken meatballs and spaghetti:

**Part 1: Making the Chicken Meatballs**

1. **Prepare the Meatball Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
2. **Shape the Meatballs:** Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1-inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Brown the Meatballs:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
4. **Sear on All Sides:** Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

**Part 2: Making the Spaghetti Sauce**

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In the same skillet you used to brown the meatballs (add a little more olive oil if needed), heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Add Garlic:** Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Incorporate Tomato Products:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
4. **Season the Sauce:** Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in the chicken broth (or water) and sugar (if using).
5. **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Add the Meatballs:** Gently add the browned chicken meatballs to the simmering sauce. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).

**Part 3: Cooking the Spaghetti and Assembling the Dish**

1. **Cook the Spaghetti:** While the sauce is simmering with the meatballs, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously. Cook until al dente, which means slightly firm to the bite.
2. **Drain and Combine:** Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce.
3. **Toss to Coat:** Toss the spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs until everything is evenly coated.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the chicken meatballs and spaghetti immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves (if using) and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

## Tips and Variations

* **Breadcrumbs:** You can use plain breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. If using plain breadcrumbs, you may want to add a little extra Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture. Panko breadcrumbs will create a slightly crispier meatball texture.
* **Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the meatballs. Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese would be delicious additions.
* **Vegetables:** Add chopped vegetables to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor to the sauce. Consider adding fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Stir them in during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
* **Wine:** For a richer, more complex sauce, add 1/2 cup of dry red wine (such as Chianti or Merlot) to the skillet after sautéing the onion and garlic. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the tomatoes.
* **Ground Turkey:** Substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken for another lean protein option. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
* **Make it Ahead:** The sauce and meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.
* **Freezing:** Cooked meatballs and sauce freeze well. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Cooked spaghetti can also be frozen, though the texture may change slightly.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Spice it up**: Add a pinch of chili flakes in the meatball mixture, or some chopped jalapeno in the sauce.
* **Add some greens**: Spinach or kale can be added to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Experiment with different pasta shapes**: While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can use other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or penne.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Dessert:** Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu or cannoli.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Sangiovese, pairs well with chicken meatballs and spaghetti.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 550-700 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams

*Note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Use a nutrition calculator for more accurate information.*

## Conclusion

Chicken meatballs and spaghetti are a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. With this recipe, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Enjoy!

0 0 votes
Article Rating

Leave a Reply

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments