Easy High Protein Spaghetti and Italian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Whipping up a deliciously satisfying high protein spaghetti with Italian chicken meatballs can revolutionize your dinner routine.

Lean and juicy chicken brings robust flavor to every bite.

Packed with nutrients, each forkful delivers serious muscle-building potential.

Robust seasonings dance through tender meatballs, creating an irresistible aroma.

Simple ingredients combine for maximum impact in this protein-powered meal.

Homemade cooking feels effortless with this straightforward recipe that impresses at the table.

Dig in and savor every delectable, protein-rich moment of culinary magic.

Spaghetti With Italian Chicken That Boosts Protein

• Boost Protein Power: Pack a muscle-building punch with lean ground chicken and high-protein spaghetti, making this dish ideal for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious meal in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a fast, nutritious dinner that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its classic Italian taste, tender meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, ensuring everyone cleans their plate.
• Meal Prep Champion: Easily prepare components in advance, store meatballs and sauce separately, and quickly reheat for a stress-free meal that saves time during hectic weeks.

Protein Pasta with Chicken Meatballs Essentials

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the core of the meatballs, great for a healthier alternative to beef.
• Egg: Binds the meatball ingredients together and adds richness.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Help create a tender meatball texture and add savory depth.

• Parsley, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Basil: Fresh and dried herbs that provide classic Italian flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base with rich flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build deep flavor foundation.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create the rich, classic marinara sauce with traditional Italian taste.

• Spaghetti: Traditional pasta that perfectly complements the meatballs and sauce.

• Extra Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Adds fresh finishing touch and extra flavor complexity.

Spaghetti & Chicken Meatballs Cooking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for some delicious meatball magic.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Meatballs

Roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres, about 1 to 1½ inches wide.

Arrange them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatballs into the preheated oven.

Roast for 15-18 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Craft Robust Marinara Sauce

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

• Chopped onion
• Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
• Add minced garlic
• Sizzle for another minute

Step 6: Simmer Sauce with Flavor

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce bubble gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

Prepare spaghetti following package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 8: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Gently nestle the baked meatballs into the simmering marinara.

Let them dance together for 5 minutes, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the saucy meatballs over your perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Sprinkle with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese for a final flourish.

Protein Pasta Tips With Chicken Blend

• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with protein-rich alternatives like almond flour or ground flaxseed to increase the overall protein content of the meatballs.
• Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the meat mixture to ensure the meatballs remain moist and tender during baking.
• Toast dried herbs like oregano and basil in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the recipe to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Prepare meatballs and marinara sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which helps develop richer flavors and saves cooking time.
• Swap regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or high-protein pasta for gluten-free or low-carb alternatives that maintain the dish's nutritional profile.

Spaghetti and Meatballs With Protein Ready to Go

• Store leftover meatballs and spaghetti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers, where they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

Side Options For Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Pairing Perfect Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato sauce and savory chicken meatballs without overpowering the delicate protein.
• Complementary Side Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to add a fresh, zesty contrast to the hearty pasta dish, balancing the warm flavors of the meatballs and marinara.
• Enhance Flavor Texture: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs over the spaghetti to introduce an additional crunchy element that elevates the overall mouthfeel and provides delightful textural complexity.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Select a cold, sparkling Italian soda like San Pellegrino or a light wheat beer to cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of the chicken meatballs and tomato sauce.

Spaghetti and Meatball Protein Styles

• Vegan Protein Pasta
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Style: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, use zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti, and add extra herbs like rosemary and thyme for enhanced flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute spaghetti with cauliflower rice or spiralized cauliflower, reduce breadcrumbs in meatballs, and use lean ground turkey as an alternative protein source.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate jalapeños into meatball mixture, replace marinara with chipotle tomato sauce, and top with fresh cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

FAQs

• Why use ground chicken instead of beef?

Ground chicken is leaner and provides a healthier protein option with less saturated fat, making this dish a nutritious alternative to traditional beef meatballs while maintaining great flavor.

• How can I ensure my meatballs stay moist?

Mix in breadcrumbs and an egg, which help bind the ingredients and retain moisture. Avoid overworking the meat mixture and don’t overcook the meatballs to prevent them from becoming dry.

• Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This simple swap maintains the meatball’s texture while making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These meatballs and sauce can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and easily reheated, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch prep.

High Protein Spaghetti and Italian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Protein-packed high protein spaghetti and Italian chicken meatballs deliver a delicious Mediterranean-style feast that combines lean nutrition with classic comfort. Savory chicken meatballs nestled on twirling pasta create a wholesome meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Sources:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat for added fiber)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 ounces (225 grams) whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 375°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the protein-packed meatballs.
2. Combine ground chicken with aromatic herbs, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl, gently blending ingredients until evenly distributed.
3. Form uniform spherical meatballs approximately 1-1½ inches in diameter, placing them carefully on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast the chicken spheres for 15-18 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete food safety.
5. Simultaneously, craft the robust marinara sauce by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over moderate flame.
6. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
7. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its pungent aroma to permeate the cooking environment.
8. Pour crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, incorporating dried Italian herbs and seasoning. Allow sauce to simmer and develop complex flavors for 10-15 minutes.
9. Cook high-protein spaghetti according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture.
10. Gently immerse freshly baked meatballs into the simmering marinara, allowing them to absorb the rich, herbaceous sauce for an additional 5 minutes.
11. Plate the spaghetti, crown with succulent chicken meatballs, and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and lower carbohydrate.
• Use lean ground chicken breast for an extra protein boost and reduced fat content, ensuring the meatballs remain moist by adding a splash of chicken broth or milk.
• Opt for whole wheat or high-protein spaghetti to increase nutritional value and maintain the protein-packed theme of the dish.
• Consider preparing meatballs in advance and freezing them for quick weeknight meals, which helps maintain portion control and saves preparation time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg