Name: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping; 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs; 3 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, oregano); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella or provolone cheese; 2 heads of garlic; Olive oil, for drizzling; 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti; 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 to 2 jars (24 ounces each) of your favorite marinara sauce; Fresh basil for topping

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting Italian-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor and wonderfully satisfying, look no further than Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti. This dish perfectly combines juicy, cheesy chicken meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce with tender spaghetti infused with the sweet, mellow goodness of roasted garlic. Every bite is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — and it’s surprisingly simple to pull together, making it a new favorite for weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to the plate. You won’t need anything complicated, just quality basics that come together to create a truly special meal.

Garlic heads: Roasting whole garlic heads brings out a sweet, caramelized flavor perfect for the spaghetti.
Olive oil: Adds richness to both the meatballs and the pasta while helping roast garlic to buttery perfection.
Ground chicken: A lean, tender protein that forms the base for flavorful, juicy meatballs.
Large egg: Binds the meatball mixture so everything stays perfectly together as it cooks.
Minced garlic cloves: Infuse the meatballs with a subtle, fresh garlic flavor that complements the roasted garlic in the pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty richness to the meatballs and a touch of nuttiness to the roasted garlic spaghetti.
Seasoned bread crumbs: Provide structure and a light texture, keeping meatballs tender, not dense.
Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, oregano): Bring bright, aromatic notes that elevate the dish’s complexity.
Dried basil and parsley: Layer in extra herbal flavor that’s balanced and inviting.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
Mozzarella or provolone cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy pockets atop each meatball for irresistible appeal.
Whole wheat spaghetti: Nutty and wholesome, a hearty base for the garlic and sauce.
Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, offering tangy, tomatoey richness that blankets the meatballs.
Fresh basil leaves: Used as a fragrant garnish adding freshness and color.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare the garlic heads by slicing off the tops to expose the cloves. Lightly peel away any excess papery skin without removing too much, then drizzle a little olive oil over the cloves. Wrap each head tightly in foil and place it onto a baking sheet. Roast for about 45 minutes until the garlic is soft, golden, and caramelized — this roasting transforms raw garlic’s sharp bite into a mellow, almost sweet flavor that will elevate your spaghetti in the best way.

Step 2: Mix and Form the Meatballs

While the garlic roasts, spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, the lightly beaten egg, olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan, bread crumbs, fresh and dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix just until combined — overmixing can make your meatballs tough, so treat the mixture with care. Then, dampen your hands slightly and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about one inch each. The moist hands help shape perfect little spheres without sticking.

Step 3: Arrange Meatballs and Add Sauce

Pour half the marinara sauce into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce, spacing them about an inch apart so they cook evenly. Spoon some more sauce gently over each meatball, then sprinkle grated mozzarella or provolone cheese on top — this will bubble up and create a gorgeous cheesy crust as they bake.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs to Perfection

Bake the meatballs in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. The cheese should be melted and lightly browned, and the meatballs juicy and tender inside. While they are baking, it’s the perfect time to cook and dress the pasta.

Step 5: Cook the Roasted Garlic Spaghetti

Boil your whole wheat spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl or pot. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add richness. Once your roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins and toss them into the spaghetti. You can mash the cloves gently with a fork to more evenly distribute the flavor. Stir in a quarter cup of parmesan cheese to bring everything together with a pleasant, savory finish.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Serve the piping hot Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti side-by-side — or pile the spaghetti high on plates and crown with saucy, cheesy meatballs. For an extra special touch, add a sprinkle of fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese right before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti

Garnishes

A fresh handful of torn basil leaves brightens the plate both visually and aromatically. A shower of extra parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that fans of Italian classics will adore. If you want a touch of freshness, a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add richness and a slight peppery bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is so satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works wonders too — perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family-style meal, serve the meatballs and spaghetti in a large, rustic casserole and let everyone serve themselves. Alternatively, plate the spaghetti in neat nests with meatballs perched on top for an elegant presentation that’s great for dinner parties or date nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs fully cooked or uncooked. For cooked meatballs, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze uncooked meatballs, roll them and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for flash freezing at least 30 minutes before transferring to a resealable bag. This keeps them from sticking together so you can cook only what you need later.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen meatballs gently in the oven, covered with foil, or simmer them in marinara sauce over low heat until warmed through. For the pasta, a quick toss in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil usually restores its perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works similarly and will yield tender, flavorful meatballs. Just make sure the turkey is fresh and not too lean to retain juiciness.

Do I have to roast the garlic, or can I use raw garlic in the spaghetti?

Roasting garlic softens its sharpness and gives a sweeter, caramelized flavor that’s much more mellow and complex than raw garlic. You can use raw garlic if you prefer a stronger bite, but roasting really elevates the dish.

What kind of bread crumbs should I use?

Seasoned bread crumbs are recommended because they add extra flavor to the meatballs, but plain bread crumbs work fine too if you adjust the seasoning in your mixture accordingly.

Is whole wheat spaghetti necessary?

Not at all! You can use any pasta you love or have on hand. Whole wheat adds nuttiness and a bit more fiber, but regular spaghetti, gluten-free noodles, or even zucchini noodles all pair nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast, and use a dairy-free bread crumb if needed. This will still produce delicious meatballs and spaghetti with great flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti, they’ll quickly find a special spot in your dinner rotation. The blend of juicy meatballs, melty cheese, comforting marinara, and sweet roasted garlic spaghetti feels like a celebration in every bite. So gather the ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight everyone at the table with this heartwarming, crowd-pleasing classic reinvented. You’re going to love it!

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Roasted Garlic Spaghetti offers a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors with tender ground chicken meatballs baked in marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella, served alongside whole wheat spaghetti infused with sweet roasted garlic and parmesan cheese for a comforting and wholesome meal.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting garlic and baking meatballs.
Prepare and Roast Garlic: Slice off the tops of the garlic heads to expose the cloves, peel off any excess papery skin, and drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon olive oil over each head. Wrap tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes until cloves are soft and caramelized.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, lightly beaten egg, olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, fresh herbs, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Wet hands slightly and roll mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs.
Assemble Meatballs in Sauce: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange meatballs about 1 inch apart in the sauce. Spoon remaining sauce over the meatballs, then evenly top with grated mozzarella or provolone cheese.
Bake Meatballs: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cook Spaghetti: While meatballs bake, cook whole wheat spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl or pot. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil.
Add Roasted Garlic and Parmesan: Once garlic heads are done roasting, carefully squeeze the caramelized cloves out of the papery skins and mash gently with a fork if desired. Stir the roasted garlic cloves and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese into the spaghetti well.
Serve: Plate the roasted garlic spaghetti alongside the baked meatballs. Garnish meatballs with extra marinara sauce if desired, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for a vibrant finish.
Freeze for Later: To freeze fully cooked meatballs, allow them to cool, place in a freezer-safe container, and store up to 3 months. To freeze uncooked meatballs, roll them, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and flash freeze uncovered for 30–60 minutes. Transfer frozen meatballs to resealable bags. To cook frozen meatballs, place in a pot or slow cooker, cover with sauce, and cook on low 6 to 8 hours until fully cooked.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey if preferred.
Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this gluten-free.
Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor—do not skip this step for best taste.
Wet your hands with water when rolling meatballs to prevent sticking.
Ensure meatballs are spaced about 1 inch apart while baking for even cooking.
Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber and nutrition.
Leftover meatballs and sauce can be reheated or frozen for convenience.
Adjust amount of marinara sauce based on preferred sauciness.
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using plant-based ground meat substitutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Roasting, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian