Spaghetti with Chicken Pine Nut Meatballs
Elevate your pasta night with this irresistible Spaghetti with Chicken Pine Nut Meatballs recipe—a delightful fusion of tender, oven-baked chicken meatballs and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. The meatballs are made with toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of garlic, delivering a nutty crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce infused with oregano, red pepper flakes, and onions, the dish is served over perfectly cooked spaghetti for a classic Italian-inspired dinner. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this crowd-pleasing meal is as easy to make as it is delicious. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is a comforting twist on a timeless favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cup fresh basil
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, toasted pine nuts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the sauce and gently stir to coat. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Serve the spaghetti topped with chicken pine nut meatballs and sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2314 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.5 g | 142% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.0 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 626 mg | 209% | |
| Sodium | 2426 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 209.1 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.9 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.4 g | ||
| Protein | 147.2 g | 294% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 655 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 23.8 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 5811 mg | 124% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
