This Baked Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe is a lighter, healthier take on the classic spaghetti and meatballs dish. Instead of traditional beef or pork meatballs, this version uses juicy baked chicken meatballs that are tender, flavorful, and oven-cooked for a healthier finish.
Served over a bed of rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish delivers comfort food satisfaction without being too heavy. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings.
If you love classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe but want a healthier option, this version will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with protein.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons this Baked Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe stands out:
- Healthier baked meatballs instead of fried
- Juicy, tender chicken flavor
- Classic comfort food made lighter
- Easy to prepare and family-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Works with simple pantry ingredients
- Great for kids and adults
- Freezer-friendly meatballs
- Delicious homemade tomato sauce pairing
If you enjoy versatile meatball recipes, this one is a must-try.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Spaghetti Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
How to Make It
These Baked Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti are made by shaping seasoned ground chicken into meatballs and baking them until golden and juicy. They are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served over spaghetti.
Baking instead of frying keeps the dish lighter while still delivering delicious flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk.
Mix gently until combined—do not overmix.
Shape mixture into small meatballs.
Place on baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
Set aside once done.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Add baked chicken meatballs into the sauce.
Simmer for 10 minutes so flavors blend together.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Serve
Plate spaghetti and top with meatballs and sauce.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Parmesan breadsticks
- Light soups
It also works well for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
Helpful Tips
Don’t Overmix Meatballs
Overmixing makes meatballs dense instead of tender.
Bake Instead of Fry
Baking keeps them healthier and easier to cook.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic improves flavor significantly.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
This enhances juiciness and flavor absorption.
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Prevents mushy texture when mixed with sauce.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Meatballs
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Cheesy Meatballs
Add mozzarella cubes inside each meatball.
Turkey Version
Replace chicken with ground turkey for a similar taste.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
FAQs
Can I freeze meatballs?
Yes, bake them first and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce gives better flavor.
Are chicken meatballs healthy?
Yes, they are leaner than beef or pork versions.
Can I cook them in a pan instead?
Yes, but baking is easier and cleaner.
What makes this different from traditional spaghetti and meatballs?
It uses ground chicken and baking instead of frying for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe is a lighter, healthier version of a timeless comfort food classic. With juicy oven-baked meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta, it delivers all the satisfaction of a traditional spaghetti and meatballs recipe without the heaviness.
Whether you’re exploring new meatball recipes, looking for easy meatballs for weeknight dinners, or simply craving comforting pasta, this dish is a perfect choice. Simple, flavorful, and family-friendly—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Baked Chicken Meatballs and Spaghetti
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk.
- Shape mixture into meatballs and place on baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Add baked meatballs to sauce and simmer 10 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.
Notes
- Do not overmix meatball mixture for tender texture.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
- Simmering meatballs in sauce enhances flavor and juiciness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
