Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs

Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs

Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs is SO GOOD! lots of lemon, butter, parsley, and a handful of Parmesan. Yum!

Ingredients

  • ground turkey or chicken
    1 lb
  • egg
    1
  • panko breadcrumbs
    ½ c
  • grated parmesan
    ½ c
  • olive oil

    optional – makes meatballs more moist and yummy

    2 tbsp
  • each garlic powder and onion powder
    ½ tsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper to taste
  • additional seasonings optional

    i added a pinch of this go-to seasoning from what’s gaby cooking

  • spaghetti

    linguine, or cappellini, regular or whole wheat

    8 oz
  • land o lakes® butter
    1 stick
  • garlic

    minced

    3 cloves
  • lemon zest
    1 tsp
  • fresh spinach

    chopped

    3 oz
  • about a cup of fresh parsley

    chopped

  • grated parmesan
    ½ c
  • water or white wine

    more or less as needed

    ¼ c
  • a squeeze of lemon juice

    salt, and pepper to finish

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix all the meatball ingredients until well combined. Roll into 30 small balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with oil to prevent sticking. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    Melt butter in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and lemon zest. Sauté for a few minutes (don’t brown the garlic, but get the butter going so it’s a little bit sizzly).

  4. 4

    Add spinach and parsley and cook until just wilted.

  5. 5

    Add pasta, meatballs, and Parmesan. Toss to combine. Add water (or white wine) as needed to loosen it up and make it a little more creamy. Add seasoning to taste – including a final squeeze of lemon! Stand over pot, eat forkfuls of pasta, and repeat. ♡

Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs

Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs

777 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting yet fresh take on a classic spaghetti dish? This Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs delivers a burst of bright lemon, rich butter, fresh parsley, and savory Parmesan in every delightful bite, offering a homemade twist on a beloved meal.

This recipe truly shines by pairing tender, flavorful baked chicken meatballs with a vibrant, aromatic garlic herb spaghetti. The meatballs get their incredible texture and savory depth from panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and a touch of optional olive oil, while the pasta is coated in a bright, herbaceous sauce that's anything but ordinary.

You can expect a wonderfully satisfying and slightly tangy dish with this Garlic Herb Spaghetti. The baked chicken meatballs are wonderfully moist and tender, complementing the al dente pasta perfectly. Each forkful brings together the aromatic notes of minced garlic, the invigorating zest of lemon, the subtle earthiness of fresh spinach, and the fresh, peppery finish of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. It’s a balanced and incredibly flavorful experience that feels both comforting and fresh.

Feel free to customize your pasta with spaghetti, linguine, or cappellini, choosing between regular or whole wheat options to suit your taste. For the meatballs, you have the flexibility to use either ground turkey or ground chicken. If you enjoy a richer flavor, consider using white wine for the sauce, or opt for water for a lighter touch. You can also experiment with additional seasonings in the meatballs beyond garlic and onion powder.

This Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs makes a fantastic and fulfilling dinner. It's a dish perfect for a cozy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, delivering comforting flavors with a fresh, herbaceous twist.

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