This recipe proves that it IS possible to eat healthy, while simultaneously being a gift to your taste buds! Packed with flavor, chopped veggies, fresh herbs and grated cheeses, this low-carb dish will make you rethink traditional spaghetti and meatballs forever.
It seems like a lot of ingredients, but I promise it's repeating a lot of seasonings throughout that you probably already have in your pantry. I like to list each component separately in an effort to take you properly, step-by-step, through the recipe!
Let's cook!
4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
Parmesan Chicken Meatballs:
1 lb freshly ground chicken
1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan
1/2 sweet onion, finely chopped
4 large bella mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup Panko Italian bread crumbs
*1/2 cup olive oil to sauté the meatballs
Chunky Marinara Sauce:
8 large bella mushrooms, thickly sliced
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
6 fresh basil leaves, julienned
3 tbsp butter
1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tsp oregano
2 bay leaves
1 cup petite mozzarella balls
1 cup freshly shredded parmesan, to garnish
Red pepper flakes, to garnish
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped to garnish
Spaghetti Squash:
1 large ripe Spaghetti Squash, washed
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp oregano
For the Chicken Meatballs:
Let's begin with our chicken meatballs! Lord help us, these bad boys are so good they may not make it to your sauce! The great news is that they're easy to make!
In a large bowl, add the first 12 ingredients listed for the meatballs (reserving the oil to cook). Now it's time to get your hands dirty! Dig right in to combine everything together. Once well blended, it's time to form your meatballs. I use a melon baller for this process but you can just use your own judgement for the size meatballs you wish to make. I usually make them into 1-2" balls. Once the meatballs are formed, place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to chill. Once chilled, heat 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium heat (you will need to cook the meatballs in batches). Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and allow to slightly blacken before turning over, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining meatballs. Remove from heat and place meatballs on a platter and set aside.
For the Chunky Marinara Sauce:
Using the drippings from the meatballs, add mushrooms, onions and celery to the skillet. Sauté until veggies are tender, approximately 7-8 minutes. Next, add the next 10 ingredients. Stir to combine. Simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to integrate. Set aside.
Reserve mozzarella, parmesan, Italian Parsley and red pepper flakes to garnish.
For the Spaghetti Squash:
Thoroughly wash your squash. Carefully cut in half, length-wise. Place both halves inside up on to a parchment lined cooking tray. Remove the inner seeds with a large spoon and discard. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle evenly with seasonings.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Turn both halves over on the tray (they will look like little domes!)
Bake for 35 minutes. Once cooked, turn them over. They will look like this! Yum.
Using two forks, "fluff" the insides of the squash like this.
Add the spaghetti squash noodles to a large serving bowl. Top with the chunky marinara sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella balls and toss to combine.
Add your cooked chicken meatballs and sprinkle with parmesan, red pepper flakes (optional) and fresh Italian Parsley.
Absolutely delicious! Serve immediately and enjoy every savory bite!
As always, I hope you enjoy this recipe with those you love most! Please don't forget to sign up for my newsletter where I post more recipes that you won't want to miss!
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Don't forget to check out my new cookbook, Michele's Southern Yum Cookbook now available on my website or Amazon.com.
Remember, it's more than just a meal. It's your love language. Express yourself well!
Have a blessed day!
Michele
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