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Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti. image

Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti.

Juicy baked chicken parmesan meatballs served over roasted garlic spaghetti for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads garlic
  • olive oil for drizzling the garlic and spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for meatball mixture
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (for meatballs)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella or provolone cheese
  • 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese for spaghetti
  • 1 to 2 24-ounce jars marinara sauce use a second jar if you prefer extra sauce
  • fresh basil for topping

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking sheet or 9x13 baking dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the garlic: slice off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves, remove loose papery skin, drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon olive oil over the exposed cloves, wrap each head in foil, and place on a baking sheet; roast for 45 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  3. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish or line a baking sheet with nonstick spray or parchment.
  4. Make the meatball mixture: in a large bowl combine ground chicken, beaten egg, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; mix gently until just combined.
  5. Form the meatballs: wet your hands slightly and roll the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs.
  6. Spread half a jar of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish and arrange the meatballs about 1 inch apart in the sauce.
  7. Spoon a bit more sauce over each meatball, then sprinkle the tops with the grated mozzarella or provolone.
  8. Bake the meatballs for 25–30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. While the meatballs bake, cook the whole wheat spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions; reserve, then drain and return to the pot or a large bowl.
  10. When roasted garlic is done, unwrap and squeeze the soft, caramelized garlic cloves out of their skins into the spaghetti; drizzle 2–3 tablespoons olive oil over the pasta, mash the garlic into the spaghetti with a fork, and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until combined.
  11. Serve the roasted garlic spaghetti topped with baked meatballs and additional marinara if desired; garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

  • Roast garlic ahead to save time.
  • Wet hands slightly to make rolling meatballs easier.
  • Use a second jar of sauce if you prefer more sauce.
  • Make sure meatballs reach 165°F for safety.
  • Flash-freeze meatballs on a tray before bagging for best freezer results.