Chicken meatballs and spaghetti is a hearty homemade dinner featuring tender ground chicken meatballs, whole wheat pasta, and a rich tomato-basil sauce.
Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and simple pantry ingredients give the meatballs their savory flavor, while the tomato sauce brings everything together.
This family-friendly recipe makes eight servings in approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. With 42 grams of protein and 491 calories per serving, it is a satisfying option for weeknight dinners, meal preparation, and family gatherings.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Main Ingredients: Ground chicken, whole wheat spaghetti, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese
- Cooking Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
For the Tomato-Basil Sauce
- 3 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 can (16 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray, as needed
For Serving
- 1 package (16 ounces) whole wheat spaghetti
- Lightly salted water, for boiling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Place the tomato paste, water, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes in a large saucepan. Stir until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and the mixture is relatively smooth.
Add the dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the bottom.
Once the sauce starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally while preparing the meatballs.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, and Italian seasoning.
Season with salt and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense and firm.
Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form approximately 1-inch meatballs. Place the shaped meatballs on a clean plate or tray while you prepare the skillet.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat the cooking surface with cooking spray.
Arrange the meatballs in the skillet in a single layer, leaving enough room between them to turn easily. Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Cook, turning the meatballs carefully, until they are browned on several sides. Browning adds flavor and helps the meatballs maintain their shape when transferred to the sauce. They do not need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce
Carefully transfer the browned meatballs into the prepared tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat them, taking care not to break them apart.
Cover partially if desired and simmer over low heat for approximately 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, using a gentle motion to keep the meatballs intact.
Check the internal temperature of a meatball using an instant-read thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the ground chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While the meatballs finish simmering, fill a large pot with water and add a little salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add the whole wheat spaghetti and stir occasionally to prevent the strands from sticking together. Cook for approximately 12 minutes, or follow the package instructions until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
Drain the spaghetti thoroughly in a colander. Avoid rinsing it, so the pasta retains its surface starch and the sauce can cling to it.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Divide the cooked spaghetti among eight serving plates or bowls. Spoon the tomato sauce and chicken meatballs over the pasta, distributing them evenly.
Serve immediately while the meatballs and sauce are hot. Add a little extra grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped basil if desired.
Tips for Tender Chicken Meatballs
- Mix gently: Combine the meatball ingredients just until incorporated. Excessive mixing can result in a tougher texture.
- Keep the portions uniform: Making the meatballs approximately the same size helps them cook evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding: Brown the meatballs in batches if your skillet is too small. This allows them to develop a golden exterior instead of steaming.
- Check the temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Simmer gently: Keep the sauce at a low simmer after adding the meatballs. Vigorous boiling may cause the meatballs to break apart.
Recipe Variations
Add Garlic and Onion
For additional savory flavor, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic before adding the tomato ingredients to the saucepan. Allow the aromatics to soften before stirring in the tomato paste, water, and canned tomatoes.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace ground chicken in the meatball mixture. Follow the same preparation and cooking method, checking that the centers reach 165°F (74°C).
Make Oven-Baked Meatballs
For a less hands-on approach, arrange the shaped meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for approximately 25 minutes, then transfer them to the simmering tomato sauce to finish cooking and absorb the flavors. Always verify the internal temperature before serving.
Choose a Different Pasta
Regular spaghetti can replace whole wheat spaghetti for a more traditional pasta texture. Other pasta shapes, such as linguine or fettuccine, can also be used, provided they are cooked according to their package directions.
Use San Marzano Tomatoes
For a different tomato flavor, replace the crushed and diced tomatoes with an equivalent quantity of canned San Marzano tomatoes, adjusting the texture as needed. These tomatoes can provide a naturally sweet flavor to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken meatballs and spaghetti as a complete meal with a simple side dish. A green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness, while steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables provide additional color and texture.
Garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread is also a suitable accompaniment for soaking up the tomato-basil sauce. For an extra finishing touch, sprinkle each portion with grated Parmesan cheese and a little fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts
The following nutritional values are approximate and are based on eight servings.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 491 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 8 g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g | 14% |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 876 mg | 38% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 66 g | 24% |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g | 41% |
| Total Sugars | 11 g | — |
| Protein | 42 g | 85% |
| Calcium | 199 mg | 15% |
| Iron | 7 mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 1,192 mg | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 22 mg | 24% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Conclusion
Chicken meatballs and spaghetti is a practical homemade meal that combines seasoned ground chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a simple tomato-basil sauce.
The meatballs cook directly in the sauce after browning, allowing the flavors to come together in one hearty dish.
With straightforward preparation, flexible ingredient substitutions, and convenient make-ahead options, this recipe is well suited to family dinners and planned leftovers.
